Lost at Sea: Forgotten Victims of the North Sea Flood
During the disaster, 1,836 people lost their lives in the floods. Their names and stories have been officially recorded in several places. But what about those who were at sea during the storm?
During the North Sea Flood, nine ships vanished without a trace on the North Sea. Three of these were Dutch vessels: the coasters Salland and Westland, and the steam trawler Catharina Duyvis. A total of 31 crew members were on board, never to return. Yet, their names were never included in the official Red Cross victim lists.
Many of these crew members left behind families and young children. The fact that they were not recognised as victims of the national disaster had a huge impact on their loved ones. Years later, the lost ships were found—often by chance. For the families, this brought strong emotions. At last, they had certainty about what had happened to their lost relatives.
The exhibition Lost at Sea: Forgotten Victims of the North Sea Flood tells the story of the 31 crew members who disappeared during the disaster. Through the memories of their families, we get to know them better. Who were these forgotten victims?
