Damage after a fire on Marion Island, 1966

Abstract

On the night of 26 June 1966, a fire broke out at the base on Marion Island. No lives were lost. These images, from photographs by the Department of Public Works, show Marion House soon after the fire destroyed the accomodation building and all communication with South Africa was lost. The cause of the fire was believed to be a faulty heater. The men resided in another part of the base while waiting for assistance. A radio was dropped a few days later by plane and contact with South Africa re-established. Supplies were subsequently sent down and the base rebuilt.