The Carmania II Ashore on “Kirk Rocks” (often mis‑referred to as “Kirkyard Rocks”)
This dramatic scene shows the British steam trawler Carmania II stranded on the rocky outcrops known locally as Kirk Rocks, near Hoy Sound off Stromness in Orkney. Although sometimes mis‑dated in later collections, the actual stranding occurred in the early hours of 14 February 1929.
Built in 1907 and registered at Grimsby, Carmania II was returning from fishing grounds off Iceland with her crew when she was driven ashore amid heavy seas and poor conditions.
Local lifeboat crews launched into fierce Atlantic rollers to assist. Despite the immense danger, the Stromness lifeboat and rocket apparatus teams battled surf and tide to reach the trawler. Using lines and a breeches buoy, they succeeded in rescuing all twelve men aboard, with some crew transferring via their own small boat when conditions briefly permitted.
The operation was hailed at the time as an epic rescue. Life‑saving crews and townsfolk alike cheered the lifeboat home with its burden of rescued men — a testament to the courage and seamanship of those who worked to save lives in treacherous waters.
