The Sirene was a Norwegian barque en route from Fleetwood to Florida when disaster struck on October 9, 1892. During its voyage, the vessel encountered a fierce storm, forcing it toward the Blackpool coastline. Unable to withstand the severe weather, the Sirene ran aground near North Pier. The dramatic wreck saw the ship’s masts topple onto the Promenade, creating a scene of both danger and awe for onlookers.
Despite the perilous circumstances, all eleven crew members managed to leap from the stricken vessel onto the safety of the pier, escaping unharmed. Their survival was celebrated as a remarkable feat, considering the intensity of the storm and the precarious conditions. Several relics from the ship remain as reminders of the event. The ship’s wheel is preserved at the Blackpool Lifeboat House, symbolising the maritime heritage of the area. Meanwhile, the anchor of the Sirene was gifted to the Borough of Middleton, where it now rests against the library wall on Long Street, serving as a historical landmark.The wreck itself was dismantled by Mr. Hulbert, a local iron and coal merchant who had secured the contract to salvage the remains. His work ensured the clearing of the debris while preserving key artifacts that continue to tell the story of the Sirene’s ill-fated journey. The incident remains a vivid chapter in Blackpool’s maritime history, illustrating the dangers faced by seafarers and the resilience of those who weathered the storm.
There have been several shipwrecks on the beaches of the Fylde coast over the years, a few more can be found on the timeline: HMS Foudroyrant, the Abana and the Riverdance.
