Centenary of the Galerna Shipwreck at Cape Ortegal
November 26, 1924, marked a dark day in the history of Cariño and the Galician coast. That day, a sudden galerna—a weather phenomenon feared by fishermen—violently struck Cabo Ortegal, catching 23 small boats as they fished for mackerel in the cold Atlantic waters. Three of them, Dos Amigos, Remedios, and Mª Andrea, were trapped in the A Cova area, at the mercy of the storm. Fourteen sailors never returned home.
“A Cova” Cliffs - Cabo Ortegal - Jay Lorenzo
The victims' families endured unbearable grief, caught between uncertainty and loss. The absence of some bodies added an even heavier burden to their mourning. Their loved ones, accustomed to bidding farewell to sailors with hopes of their return, were left in a silence broken only by the murmur of waves that seemed to echo the tragedy.
Preparations for the Tribute to the Victims and Relatives of the 1924 Galley and Shipwreck
The Last Struggle of Andrés Fernández Castro
Among the stories emerging from this tragedy, one stands out for its humanity. Andrés Fernández Castro, one of the crew, did not drown like the others. Gravely injured, he found the strength to climb the steep cliffs of A Cova, seeking shelter in what became his final night. His body was discovered thirteen months and nine days later, at the top of the cliff, where he had tried to protect himself from the cold. His herculean effort stands as a testament to the instinctive fight for life against the relentless forces of destiny and the sea.
The Ortegal Pipers Band.
A Ceremony of Memory and Tribute
One hundred years later, the Cabo Ortegal Lighthouse became the site of a heartfelt tribute—the first of its kind exclusively dedicated to the victims of this shipwreck. Descendants of the sailors, locals, and visitors gathered to honor those who lost their lives in the treacherous waters. Among them, the grandson of Andrés Fernández Castro traveled from Las Palmas to pay homage to his grandfather and the other seafarers.
The event included the unveiling of an informational panel recounting the tragedy, listing the names of the deceased, and featuring photographs by local artists. Additionally, traditional Galician music, with performances of Negra Sombra and Meu amor é mariñeiro, lent solemnity and emotion to the ceremony.
The San Xiao do Trebo Folklore Association
The Tragedy in Collective Memory
This tribute not only commemorates the victims but also gives voice to the pain felt by their families and the Cariño fishing community. Their courage and sacrifice endure in collective memory, not just as a reminder of the sea’s dangers but also as an expression of human resilience.
May the story of Andrés Fernández Castro and the fourteen lost sailors inspire respect, solidarity, and gratitude toward those who dedicate their lives to the sea, ensuring their legacy lives on in future generations as a symbol of strength in adversity.
The Cariño Rondalla
Andrés Fernández Castro grandson of Andrés Fernández Castro R.I.P.
Patricia Colorado, great-granddaughter of José Antonio Colorado Vidal R.I.P.
Ana María López Fernández, Mayoress of Cariño.
Andres Lorenzo Lage, sailor from Cariño (94 years old)
