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Bantry Hold On for Dublin | RTÉ Radio 1 Extra

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Monday 3rd August 2015 at 5pm – Bantry Hold On for Dublin

In the early hours of the of the morning on the 8th Jan 1979, tragedy struck just off the head of Bantry Bay when an oil tanker exploded on Whiddy Island.

The resulting fire from the “Betelguese” oil tanker claimed the lives of 50 people. Only 27 bodies were ever recovered.

This documentary looks at how the disaster impacted the town of Bantry, and the negative effect it has had on many walks of life.

High levels of unemployment and a declining tourist industry has left many in Bantry with no other option than to pack up and search for work elsewhere.

Producer: Ronan O’Donoghue

Presenter: Rodney Rice

(Broadcast 1981)