Still one of our worst maritime tragedies

The Whiddy Island oil terminal disaster almost 36 years ago still ranks as one of Ireland’s worst marine tragedies.

The Total SA-owned oil tanker Betelgeuse, exploded in Bantry Bay in the early hours of Monday, January 9, 1979, as it off-loaded an oil cargo, engulfing the ship and the terminal in a massive fireball.

The huge explosion and intense inferno claimed the lives of 50 people — 42 French nationals, seven Irish men, including Michael Kingston’s father Tim, and a British man. Only 27 bodies were recovered.