82nd ANNIVERSARY of the s.s. tilawa (2024)

The third commemoration of the ill-fated S.S. Tilawa will be held on the 82nd anniversary, Saturday November 23rd 2024. Many families on the continent of Africa will meet in the area of the port of Durban,  South Africa. It is here that the ill-fated S.S. Tilawa was destined for. For the first time on African soil a full auditorium will officially acknowledge the incident, and memorialize the loss of 280 lives. 

The event is by invitation only, and will be hosted at the Norwegian Hall.

Founder of Tilawa 1942, Emile Solanki, says: 

“It was always our dream to have India, UK, and South Africa officially recognize the forgotten tragedy, and have a moment of silence for the loss of our loved ones. Mumbai was the first ever commemoration in the world, because there Tilawa departed from the Ballard Pier for the final time. Hundreds of Indians in the UK were connected to this tragedy. Tilawa was a British ship, and there were many non-Indian British personnel onboard. With positive expressions from His Majesty The King, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks office, as well as support from the British Deputy High Commissioner in India and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, it was appropriate to hold the second commemoration here. Many in Africa could not attend in-person. It is moving to think these ones will finally have an opportunity after 82 years, to pay their respects. We are grateful for the love, support, and collaboration of the S.S. Tilawa Foundation, South Africa. They are working hard to ensure this event is a success.“

Stay tuned for more details…