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Date Published: 05/08/2026

Cabo de Palos commemorates the forgotten shipwreck that claimed nearly 300 lives

A new monument honours the nearly 300 people who died after an Italian liner struck reefs off the Cartagena coast in 1906

Long before the Titanic became the world's most famous maritime disaster, another passenger ship met a tragic end just off the coast of Cartagena.

On August 4, 1906, the Italian ocean liner Sirio struck the reefs near the Hormigas Islands, just off Cabo de Palos, turning what should have been a routine voyage to South America into one of Spain's deadliest peacetime shipwrecks. Nearly 300 people are believed to have perished, although the exact number has never been confirmed because passenger records from the time were incomplete.

Now, 120 years later, the people of Cabo de Palos have gathered to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten.

A new memorial cross has been installed at Cala Túnez, close to the lighthouse, replacing one erected for the centenary in 2006. During a moving ceremony, flowers were placed in the Mediterranean in memory of those who lost their lives and in tribute to the local fishermen whose bravery saved hundreds of others.

The Sirio had left Genoa carrying emigrants from Italy and Spain who were hoping to start new lives in Argentina and other parts of South America. As the ship approached Cabo de Palos, it sailed dangerously close to shore before striking the Bajo de Fuera reef, tearing open its hull. Within minutes, panic spread across the vessel as passengers scrambled to escape.

With no coastguard or modern rescue services available, it was the fishermen of Cabo de Palos who became the heroes of the day. Launching their small boats into the sea without hesitation, they rescued hundreds of people from the water in what is now regarded as one of the greatest civilian rescue operations in Spanish maritime history.

One of those remembered in particular is Vicente Buigues, whose courage has become part of local history. Organisers of this year's commemoration believe he deserves even wider recognition and have suggested Cartagena should honour him with a street bearing his name.

The anniversary ceremony was organised by writer Lola Gutiérrez, historian Mabel Villagra and journalist Marta Hernández, who hope the event will now become an annual tradition.

As part of the commemoration, historian Luis Miguel Pérez Adán reflected on both the heroism and the darker side of the disaster.

"It's a story of good and bad, of fishermen who sacrificed themselves to rescue people, while others sought profit and money, thinking of robbing the ship's safe instead of helping the passengers," he said.

He added, "Stories change centuries, but human beings remain the protagonists."

The organisers are also taking the story of the Sirio beyond the Region of Murcia through talks and exhibitions in cities including Murcia, Madrid, Alicante and Barcelona, hoping one of Spain's most remarkable maritime stories will finally receive the attention many believe it deserves.

Images: Region de Murcia Digital

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Espacio Mediterraneo Shopping Center Cartagena Spain

Address

PARQUE MEDITERRANEO, P.I. CABEZO BEAZA CARTAGENA 30353 Murcia

Tel: 968 086 433
Mobile: 968 086 436

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Where to shop Cartagena and the Mar Menor Murcia

Espacio Mediterraneo Shopping Center Cartagena Spain The Espacio Mediterráneo shopping centre is on the eastern outskirts of Cartagena, heading out of the city towards La Manga and the Mar Menor, and contains a large Carrefour hypermarket, as well as C&A, Primark, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Levi's, Sdera, Mango, Benetton, Springfield, Stradivarius, Rumbo, Women's Secret, The Phone House, Game Stop, HyM, restaurants, a cinema complex and a bowling alley.

Espacio Mediterraneo Shopping Center Cartagena Spain There are a wide range of retail outlets specializing in fashion, household goods, cosmetics, accessories, holiday necessities, electrical goods and footwear, including big name brands and other major brands also operate large stores in the neighbouring retail park.

Those who enjoy their shopping will be quite happy to spend the entire day here, enjoying a Espacio Mediterraneo Shopping Center Cartagena Spain well-earned break at lunchtime to enjoy one of the restaurants or bars, most of which are located on the first floor above the main entrance hall. There are fourteen establishments to choose from, offering kebabs or pasta, hamburgers or ice-cream, tapas or Brazilian barbecues: there's bound to be something for everyone among the dishes on offer!

With easy motorway access and ample parking both on the main concourse of the retail park and underneath the Carrefour hypermarket, it's easy to leave the car while you stroll around the pleasant, modern mall before filling the boot with your purchases and heading back after a hard day's shop!

Espacio Mediterraneo Shopping Center Cartagena Spain Opening Times:
Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 22.00 (restaurants 12.00 to 01.00)

How to get there:
By car
From Cartagena:    A-30 direction Murcia, exit 191
From Murcia:    A-30 direction Cartagena, exit 191
From Alicante:    AP-7 direction Cartagena, exit 191
GPS
37º 37' 33.01" N
0º 56' 52.40" W

By bus
Bus Number 4. Timetable Monday to Saturday
From Canteras:    7:00 a 22:30 every 30 minutes
From Polígono Industrial:    7:45 a 22:15 every 30 minutes
From Galifa:    6:55; 7:55; 11:25; 13:25; 16:25; 19:25; 21:55

Bus Number 4. Timetable Sundays & Holidays
From Canteras:    8:00 a 22:30 every 30 minutes
From Polígono Industrial:    8:00 a 22:00 every 30 minutes
From Galifa:    7:55; 11:25; 13:25; 16:25; 19:25; 21:55

Espacio Mediterráneo‎
Pol. Industrial Cabezo Beaza
30395 Cartagena, Murcia
968 086433

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For more information, go to webpage, Espacio Mediterráneo