AN RTÉ television report chronicling the incredible journey of six Ethiopian men who fled famine and ended up in Derry has resurfaced.
The clip – which can be watched here – was broadcast 40 years ago today (June 11 1985) and shows the men aboard the ‘Elise Schulte’, the vessel they stowed away on.
Included within the package is an interview with Mark Durkan Sr of the SDLP and Field Director of Concern, Fr Jack Finucane, who happened to be in the city on same day, talking to children in The Guildhall.
The journalist was David Ross who reported how the men hid in the ventilation system of the ship which left their home country the month previous.
“After being refused asylum in Egypt and Cyprus, they were brought to the ship’s next port of call, Derry, where they have captured the hearts of people in the city,” Mr Ross revealed.
According to the report, the men received “dozens of offers of accommodation” and were eventually granted permission to remain in the UK.
Mark Durkan told the cameras, “They are a little apprehensive to know what does face them but also apprehension regarding what will happen in the long term and what the British Government’s decision will be.
“But in the immediate sense it was just total happiness when they were told, euphoria, hugging and kissing. It was a lovely sight to see, very touching.”
(All rights for video and images belong to RTÉ Archives)