Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Podcast
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Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs
The burning Lakonia with smoke billowing upward.

The Fiery Last Voyage of the Lakonia (1963)

The Greek Line vessel Lakonia began its life as the ocean liner Johan van Oldenbarnevelt of the Netherlands Line in 1929. The luxurious JVO served the route between Europe and the Dutch East Indies. During World War 2 she was converted to an Allied troop ship before returning to passenger service in the 1950’s. In 1963, amid declining popularity of ocean travel, the JVO was sold to the Greek Line and converted into a cruise ship.

Relaunched as the Twin Screw Motor Ship Lakonia, she became a popular cruise ship among British travelers. A tragic fire broke out on December 22, 1963, while en route from Southampton to the Canary Islands. The fire started in the ship’s hair salon, quickly spreading due to flammable materials and inadequate fire containment measures. Despite distress signals and arrival of nearby vessels, chaotic conditions hampered rescue efforts. Fire, smoke, and exposure claimed the lives of 128 passengers and crew, exacerbated by cold winter waters and limited life-saving equipment.

Gallery

The Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (left) and the Marnix van St. Aldegonde (right)
A large ocean liner at sea
The Lakonia began as the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt of the Netherlands Line.
A large ball room with ornate furniture and decorations.
The beautifully ornate Statesmen Lounge feaured wood paneling, solid teak doors, and a tapestry covering an entire wall.
A large swimming pool with glass ceiling
The Lakonia featured an indoor/outdoor pool and was a popular spot among guests.
a decorative tile floor and a wood staircase.
The Lakonia’s gorgeous mosaic floor and main staircase.
The JVO was refurbished and relaunched in 1963 as the Lakonia, after being purchased by the Greek Line.
The burning Lakonia with smoke billowing upward.
Life Magazine featured color photographs, capturing the demise of the Lakonia.
The Lakonia lists to its starboard side.
The Lakonia began listing to starboard shortly after the fire broke out on board.
Three men seated in a small lifeboat.
Engineer Jean-Marie Kolbach of the Belgian vessel Charlesville guiding the lifeboat that rescued Lakonia’s Captain Zabris, seated in front.
People in a life raft climb ropes to board a rescue ship
Life rafts and other supplies were dropped by American aircraft during the rescue operation.
A large cruise ship at sea.
The Argentine vessel Salta, commanded by Captain José Barrere rescued over 500 passengers and crew of the Lakonia.

Sources