Hafmeyjarslysið

Background

History & Background

The Hafmeyjarslysið memorial commemorates the devastating 'Hafmeyjan accident,' which occurred on September 14, 1905. This event remains the deadliest maritime disaster in the history of Akranes. The tragedy unfolded when a six-oared boat named 'Hafmeyjan,' meaning 'mermaid,' was traveling from Reykjavík to Akranes. On board were eleven young individuals, all aged between 20 and 30 years old, including five siblings from the Kringla farm and three brothers from Innsta-Vog. The exact cause of the disaster was never definitively determined, though overloading of the small boat is widely suspected. The 'Hafmeyjan' tragically sank very close to the shore in Akranes after hitting a hidden skerry, claiming all eleven lives. The profound loss deeply affected the small community of Akranes, leaving an indelible mark on its collective memory. Decades later, to ensure this significant event and the lives lost were never forgotten, the Kiwanis Club Þyrill in Akranes initiated the creation of a permanent memorial. The resulting sculpture, designed by artist Bjarni Þór Bjarnason, was unveiled in 1998. It stands as a poignant tribute, reminding visitors of the perils of the sea and the resilience of the community.

Perched on the rugged volcanic coastline of Suðurflös by Breið in Akranes, West Iceland, Hafmeyjarslysið is a powerful and visually striking memorial. This elegant, abstract sculpture, crafted from a gleaming silver-grey material, stands as a testament to the tragic 'Hafmeyjan accident' of September 14, 1905. The memorial itself, with its sweeping lines reminiscent of wings or a stylized vessel, contrasts beautifully with the dark, jagged rocks it sits upon, as seen in the accompanying image. In the background, the iconic white tower of the Gamli Akranesviti (old lighthouse) with its distinctive red top provides a historic landmark. The accident involved a six-oared boat, the 'Hafmeyjan' (meaning 'mermaid'), which was carrying eleven young people, aged between 20 and 30, from Reykjavík to Akranes. The disaster, believed to be caused by overloading, occurred devastatingly close to the Akranes shore when the boat struck a skerry. All aboard perished, making it the deadliest maritime incident in Akranes' history. The memorial, initiated by the Kiwanis Club Þyrill and designed by artist Bjarni Þór Bjarnason, was unveiled in 1998. Visiting Hafmeyjarslysið offers a moment for quiet reflection, connecting visitors to a significant, albeit sorrowful, chapter of Icelandic maritime heritage amidst a breathtaking coastal setting.