Grey plaque № 30296

"The Visible Boundary" Andrew Farrell Readman & Noah Rose 2006. The Boundary between the cities of Manchester and Salford runs down the centre of the River Irwell. Boatbuilding has been part of the life of the River irwell from the earliest times, and the river has always been navigated for trade. In 1828 the biggest boat yet to be built on the Irwell was launched into the river, she was named the Emma, after the builder's daughter. On the day, great crowds assembled on the banks of the Irwell, bands played and the lord Mayors of Manchester and Salford attended the ceremony with a huge entourage. it was a carnival atmosphere with children playing and vendors clamouring for business. When the ship was launched a huge cheer went up, but the triumphant moment soon turned to disaster. The boat powered across the river and smashed into the opposite bank. The dignitaries were thrown into the water, amongst them women and children and guests of the lord Mayors of the two cities. The Emma rolled over and capsized. Onlookers dashed down the banks to help but were soon adding to the terror of the moment. 22 people died that day, including the daughter of the Lord Mayor of Salford. one man, a Scot who lived and worked locally had come down to watch, an accomplished swimmer, he quickly undressed and dived into the water again and again to save lives. Eventually bedraggled and exhausted, he returned to shore only to find his clothes had been stolen. he died the same day from hypothermia.

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