Kilgarvan in Cobh in County Cork, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Ιire) North Atlantic Ocean)
Cork Harbour Tragedy
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
1. Cork Harbour Tragedy Marker
On the night of 12 December 1942, in the midst of WW2, a terrible accident occurred in the vicinity of Dognose Buoy, Cork Harbour. The crew of Port Pilot boat Carraig an Cuan was tasked with placing a Pilot Pat Lynch on board Irish Poplar inward bound for Cork Dockyard. Port Examination launch 3 had to get an Examination Officer on board to check for contraband. Task completed, both crews encountered enormous difficulty in pulling away from the side of the ship. Winds over 50mph prevailed and visibility was extremely poor. The launches were sucked in towards the stern of the ship and the propeller of the Poplar inflicted damage on both of them. In spite of gallant efforts by Ballycotton Lifeboat crew and others, nobody was rescued and five lives were lost. Miraculously, there was one survivor, James Horgan, who managed to swim to Spike Island guided by the flashing light of Spit Bank.
The above flashing light is the original Spit Bank light.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is December 12, 1942.
Location. 51° 51.018′ N, 8° 17.466′ W. Marker is in Cobh, Munster, in County Cork. It is in Kilgarvan. It is at the intersection of East Beach and Lynch's Quay, on
this page online
Regionally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Cork Harbour Tragedy (here, next to this marker); Chomhairle Ceantair Uirbigh an Chσibh / Cobh Urban District Council (a few steps from this marker); Ballast Quay (within shouting distance of this marker); Teach an Chustaim / Custom House (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Baths (about 90 meters away); Cunard Line Offices (about 90 meters away); Father Theobald Mathew (about 90 meters away); Lusitania Centenary 2015 (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cobh.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
2. Irish Poplar Tragedy Memorial
The Irish Poplar Tragedy Memorial consists of two plaques and the Spit Bank light.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
3. Cork Harbour Tragedy Marker
The marker is located outside of Cobh's Old Town Hall.
Photographed by 2, June 6, 2012
4. Cobh: Memorial - "Cork Harbour Tragedy 1942"
The memorial after it was newly installed in 2012.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 14, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
