Shipwreck of the Cargo Ship SS Tayeb – Port Louis – 1972 (Courtesy: Mohammad Faiz)

The Mauritian Sea and territories counts the unfortunate events of over 600 ship wrecks in its naval history and this one is among the many that didn’t manage to reach safe port, the ship wreck of the SS Tayeb Cargo ship. The dramatic event occured on the 12th of February 1972 after the passage of Cyclone Dolly in Mauritius near the shores of Les Salines in Port Louis, against the sand bank of Barkly Island (Ilot Barkly). The proximity to the shore line was roughly 500 meters and the ship in difficulty could be seen clearly.

SS Tayeb Battling Against Strong Waves – 1972

SS Tayeb Broken in Two – In Danger at Sea – 1972

The SS Tayeb was coming from Egypt with Captain Foudah at its commandment. It is believed that the captain ignored warnings from the harbour master which resulted in this naval disaster, costing the lives of many. The ship was advised to dock at the port but the captain refused and seeing the danger afterwards and without knowing where the shore was many sailors jumped to their death even though not leaving the ship would have saved their lives, as the ship was already nearly aground. Some of the sailors who died were buried at the cemetery of Les Salines, the others who managed to reach the shore were rescued by the police and were saved.

Mauritius Police Force Rescuing Sailors – SS Tayeb Wreckage – Port Louis – 1972 (Courtesy: Mario Bosquet)

To recall, the Mauritius Police Force also had in his ranks capable foreign officers through its history such as SSP Bill Sherman of Irish origin, who can be seen on the left assisting in the performance of artificial breathing to a sailor of the ill-fated SS Tayeb.

MPF Rescuing Sailors of SS Tayeb Wreckage – Port Louis – 1972 (Courtesy: Mario Bosquet)

The remains of the wreckage could be seen for quite some time until it was dismantled. Additionally, the Barkly Island and surroundings since recently (2013) are being filled for more landspace and any further remains of this wreckage are being covered and soon enough this plot will just be another region of Port Louis.

Port Louis Harbour Viewed from Citadel – late 1970s (Courtesy: France Athow)

The remains of the wreck of the SS Tayeb still visible at the top right in the above image.

Port Louis – Les Salines – Ilot Barkly Island – Nov 2014