The Lugano burns

THESE pictures show the dramatic scene as the 6,700 ton ship the SS Lugano arrived into Hastings harbour on fire.
The Lugano burned for two days just off the coast 100 years ago on April 26 and 27 1906.
It was owned by the Hamburg America line and was on passage from Baltimore to Hamburg with a cargo of cotton, timber and oil.
The cotton auto-ignited while the Lugano was in the channel and she was towed to an anchorage five miles off Hastings.
When flames became visible the Hastings Lifeboat - The Charles Arkoll II - was launched and went alongside.
The fire was out of control so the Lugano was towed to three quarters of a mile off Hastings Castle.
She was later towed to the East of the harbour where she continued to burn for another two days and was watched by huge crowds enjoying the free spectacle.
When the fires were finally extinguished she was towed to Tilbury.
Ion Castro, who sent in the pictures, said: "Notice how far back the shoreline is, shingle has built up against the harbour arm despite the fact that the shore end of the harbour was built as wooden tressels to prevent this."
Did you see the Lugano burning?
Do you have any other photos of the drama unfolding?
If so, email the bygones page at: richard.morris@trbeckett.co.uk or ring 01424 856784.