True tale of a tragedy

Rod Scher's Ship of Lost Souls reads like an adventure novel. Unfortunately, the book isn't fiction; it recounts the real-life 1906 grounding of the passenger liner Valencia and the deaths of over 170 people onboard. The sinking is considered by many to be the worst maritime disaster in the 'Graveyard of the Pacific', a famously treacherous area off the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.

The story starts by introducing readers to a small group of well-respected, experienced, hardworking and caring people. Their decisions and actions, though well meant, are critical elements in the unfortunate chain of events leading to the tragedy. The book also introduces you to other 'characters', including the Valencia itself and the radio telecommunications technology that was in its infancy.

The book then follows the chronology of the Valencia tragedy and summarises the investigations and actions taken afterwards. It also touches on the fledgling lighthouse and radio technologies which came too late for the stricken vessel.

The 240 pages are also peppered with interesting illustrations, photos and images from the time, along with a comprehensive index, bibliography and notes on each chapter.

It's a powerful story with some positives emerging from the tragedy, but maritime readers will be unsurprised at how slowly navigation systems and maritime regulations improved.

Ship of Lost Souls: The Tragic Wreck of the Steamship Valencia in January 1906
By Rod Scher
Lyons Press, £25
ISBN: 978 14930 81356