**The moving commemoration of the sinking of the S.S. Tilawa in Durban in 2024**
Saturday 23 November 2024 will mark the third commemoration of the sinking of the S.S. Tilawa, a ship tragically sunk 82 years ago during World War II. This special commemoration will take place at the Regent Business School in Durban, on African soil for the first time.
The sinking of the S.S. Tilawa remains etched in history due to the loss of 280 passengers and crew after the ship was attacked by an Imperial Japanese Army submarine. This tragedy has deeply affected many families and survivors who have experienced lasting trauma.
The commemoration of this forgotten tragedy promises to be a memorable day in Durban. The port city was chosen as a meeting place for the families of the victims, symbolising the original intended arrival point of the S.S. Tilawa.
2017 saw a resurgence of interest in the tragedy when an unexpected treasure was discovered. 2,364 silver bars worth $42 million, or approximately 60 tonnes of silver, were recovered from the wreck at the bottom of the Indian Ocean. This discovery led to a series of legal battles between the salvors and the South African government, ultimately resulting in a decision by the UK Supreme Court in favour of South Africa.
The S.S. Tilawa Foundation, in collaboration with Tilawa 1942, warmly invites all family members directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy to the 82nd anniversary commemoration. A full day of activities is planned, including a cruise around Durban Harbour, a visit to the Maritime Museum, as well as interviews, speeches and audio-visual presentations by local and international guests.
The commemoration event will conclude with a gala dinner at the NMJ Hall followed by an evening of socialising. The organisers are delighted that the only three known survivors of this tragedy will be present: Arvindbhai Jani, Abdul Gaffaar Osman and Tejparkash Mangat. These living witnesses to history will provide poignant and authentic accounts of the event of November 1942.
As we approach this commemoration, we can only be grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to the lives lost on board the S.S. Tilawa. The story of this ship, its passengers and crew, still resonates today and deserves to be honoured and preserved for future generations.
For more information about this event and to contact the organizers, please visit the website www.sstilawa.com. If you have information about other survivors of this tragedy, please share it by texting, emailing or calling +27 82 778 8660.