Birkenhead Commemoration: Honouring a Legacy of Bravery 26 February 2025

The HMS Birkenhead is known worldwide for the bravery of the men who, under the captain’s command, stood back with the motto “women and children first.” Also referred to as HM Troopship Birkenhead or Steam Frigate Birkenhead, she was one of the first iron-hulled ships built for the Royal Navy. Initially designed as a steam frigate, she was later converted into a troopship before being commissioned.

On February 26, 1852, while transporting British troops to Algoa Bay, the Birkenhead struck a submerged rock off Danger Point near Gansbaai, approximately 140 km (87 miles) from Cape Town. Among the passengers were soldiers of various regiments, 20 women and children, and 9 horses. Tragically, there were not enough lifeboats for all on board. In an act of extraordinary courage, the soldiers remained on deck, ensuring that the women and children reached safety. Of the estimated 643 people on board, only 193 survived. This heroic sacrifice gave rise to the “women and children first” protocol when abandoning ship, and the “Birkenhead drill” later became synonymous with bravery in the face of hopeless circumstances.

On February 26, 2025, Marine Dynamics once again managed the boat trip for the annual Birkenhead Commemoration at the wreck site. For Patricia Menge, the new Tourism Manager of Gansbaai Tourism, it was a particularly special occasion.

“For 10 years, I have worked behind the scenes organizing this event, but this was my first time experiencing the boat trip firsthand. What an incredible, moving event it is. What a privilege for Gansbaai Tourism and Marine Dynamics to host this internationally renowned event commemorating mankind’s incredible courage and selflessness in the face of imminent death. Hovering on the water near the Birkenhead Rock, where so many people lost their lives, was poignant. Rev. James Gray provided some startling facts about what the people on the boat experienced on that day right in that spot and the importance of remembering them. What an incredibly moving event!” she shared.

Due to the well-known Easterly February winds, the Marine Dynamics vessels Dream Catcher and Slashfin could only set sail in the late afternoon of Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Despite the windy conditions, attendees experienced a profound and solemn commemoration at the exact location where over 400 people lost their lives 173 years ago, and where the Birkenhead still rests beneath the ocean.

“Once again, we had a beautiful commemoration,” said Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics. “As we paused over Birkenhead Rock, we reflected on the incredible bravery and sacrifice that took place here.”