Geflevej

Geflevej (Danish).

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Gefle. 

In 1884, the 3-masted Swedish barque is on its way across the North Sea from France. The ship is in ballast on its return journey to Helsingborg. But the crew of 12 men are not sailing with an empty ship. A cargo of ochre, champagne and wine is also brought along. One October night, the ship tries to navigate through a storm on the west coast. The ship's captain suffers a stroke and dies on the ship shortly before dawn. 

Before the night is over, Gefle is stranded in Sdr. Haurvig on October 16. The ship lands high on the beach with its side facing the shore. The crew cut the main mast so that it falls onto the beach. Now the crew can get ashore themselves. They take the dead captain with them. In the darkness, they search for habitation. 

The crew finds a farm where they can get warm. Here they stay for 14 days, where they are interned for fear of cholera infection from France. Later, items from the ship are sold at auction, including 2 ship's bells. The ship's 400 barrels of yellow ochre, 1500 bottles of champagne and 4 barrels of red wine are also sold. But Gefle is not saved. The ship is smashed to pieces and lies on the beach. 

 

Learn more about accommodation for stranded seafarers at Abelines Gaard.