A SPECIAL presentation is being held to mark the anniversary of a major ship disaster.

In 1907 the SS Berlin, having left Harwich, was seven miles from the Hook of Holland on a very rough seas when disaster struck.

The high waves swept the entire ship over and most of the crew and passengers were lost.

The crew were known to be from families in the Harwich area.

Ann Duggan, organising the commemorative event, said: "On the anniversary of the loss of the SS Berlin on February 17, at 3pm, a presentation is going to be held at The Catholic Church in Fronks Road.

"David Whittle our well know historian will show films and related tales from that time.

"Recently the bell from the old St Paul’s Church in Parkeston has been restored and is now ringing out from The Catholic Church and this was always significantly known to be heard on each anniversary of this disaster.

"It is hoped that local families who had relations on board, or any interested residents will come to commemorate that terrible tragedy and talk about their own memories."

Records show 128 of the 144 people on board drowned, including about 40 crew members.

Anyone who has had relatives or know of families of crew members who were on board is asked to contact Ann Duggan on ann.duggan@me.com or David Whittle at The Harwich Society.