Phil Melia - Documentary & Fine Art Photography: Links

The Arandora Star - Book by Phil Melia

The book and exhibition are a collection of intimate photographic portraits and testimonies from people who were directly linked to the tragic sinking of the ship, The Arandora Star. The book tells the story of how one of the world finest luxury cruise liners became a floating prison camp during WW II, "a bloody death trap" (Captain Moulton, The Arandora Star) and eventual grave to over 800 men comprising of military guards, merchant seamen, internees and prisoners of war. It gives a first hand account from four people whose fathers were arrested, interned and placed on board the ship without their families knowledge. There is also a first hand account from the last known internee survivor, Rando Bertoia and an account from a crofter on a remote Scottish island who discovered one of the bodies washed up on the island’s harsh coastline. The book and exhibition tell the story of how the lives of ordinary, hard working people were left in turmoil as a result of war and an avoidable tragedy. The project also highlights important social issues such as migration, identity and belonging.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/678292