Saint-Philibert disaster
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TheSaint-Philibert was a small cruise boat sailing in the summer from the mouth of the Loire and near the coast. On the 14 June 1931, nearly 500 people, mostly workers and their families from Nantes, embarked in the port of Nantes. 467 passengers are checked in. There are also children accompanying their parents who will not be counted. 7 men of the crew, supervised by Captain Ollive, must ensure the smooth passage. The move goes normally and St. Philibert docked at the Herbaudière on the Île de Noirmoutier.
When the vessel must sail for the return, the weather deteriorated later in the afternoon. The Saint-Philibert faces a raging sea. The storm, of unpredictable force, makes navigation very difficult. The steam is not prepared for the big weather. In addition, it has onboard twice the expected load. Passengers are at starboard, which makes this heel dangerously punt. With a wave, stronger than the others, the steamer capsized. Touched by the blade, it turns dark and sank almost immediately off the Pointe Saint-Gildas. This sinking has spared only 8 survivors.
Powered by a virulent polemic, a trial will take place in 1933. Travesty of justice, victims' families were unsuccessful and the owners free from any responsibility in this disaster.
