Mr. Charles McCann, a well-known and respected Newry seaman, was one of eleven men drowned when a ship floundered after striking rocks.  The crew numbered forty-nine and eleven men are still missing.  The crew took to the boats and twenty-seven succeeded in getting to land.

The late Mr. McCann was an employee of the firm of Messrs. J. S. Fisher Ltd., Newry.  He was a strong swimmer and some years ago he was presented with a life saving certificate.  Three years ago he joined the Merchant Navy as a gunner and had several thrilling sea experiences.  To his sorrowing wife and family, parents and relatives, deep sympathy is extended.

There was an exceedingly large and representative attendance at the funeral to St. Mary’s Cemetery, Newry.

 The chief mourners were: Mrs Margaret McCann (Widow), Messrs. Paddy Joe, Charlie, and Willy, Seamus McCann (sons): Misses Maureen, Kathleen, Eileen, Lily and Nancy (Daughters): Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCann (parents), Messrs: Daniel McCann (chief engineer Merchant Navy), Stephen McCann (Royal Irish Fusiliers), and William McCann (Merchant Navy), Mrs Alexander Brown, Mrs Susan Cunningham, Mrs Mary Dean and Miss Jane McCann (Sisters), Mrs W.F. Cunningham, Mrs Marley, Mrs Rodgers, Mrs Keenan, Mrs O’Hare (Aunts), Messrs: William McCann, J Rodgers, P Keenan (uncles), Harry Marley, Miss P McCartan, Tess Kearns, Suzanne McGill, Charlie, Willie, Peter, Teresa, Sheila and Kathleen Rodgers. Daniel, Bernard, Stephen, Sarah J. and Kitty O’Hare, Thomas, Danny, Patrick Keenan (Royal Ulster Rifles) and Bernard Keenan (Royal Berkshire Regiment), Mrs Rose McLoughlin, Mrs Sarah Mackin, Mrs Ned Mullen, Mrs Hughie McCaul, Clare, Mary, Ellen, and Tilley Keenan (Cousins). Patrick J, Margaret and Lily McCann,  P J Cunningham, Sean and Brendan Cunningham. June Brown and Irene Dean (Nephews & Nieces),  Pat (Pappy), Michael and John McGrath, John Cunningham, Alexander Brown and Dixie Dean (Brothers in law). Mrs Mary C McCann and Mrs Lizzie Lundy (Sisters in law).

 There were numerous Mass offerings and messages of sympathy and a wreath from the Newry Branch of the British Legion.

 Rev. J.H. Boyd, C.C; who officiated in St Mary’s and at the graveside, in the course of a touching address said the deceased had given his life for his family. He had been at home only a few weeks ago, and little did his wife and children realise that they would never behold their bread-winner again.  It was through no war-like love that the deceased had taken to the high seas, as he has said himself, to earn a loaf of bread for his family.  When on leave, deceased always attended to the needs of his soul, knowing that his life was always in peril on the high seas, and when his end came he met it not unprepared for. To his bereaved wife and family and other relatives, Fr. Boyd extended his heartfelt sympathy of all.

In addition to Fr. Boyd, the clergy present were; Fr. Hugh Esler, C.C. and Rev. T. Mooney E.I. The RUC were represented by Sergeant Daly.

 The firm of Stephen McCrink, Merchant Quay, Newry, had charge of the funeral arrangements.

September 23rd 1954 Newry Reporter

LIFE SAVING AWARD FOR NEWRYMAN

"It was really nothing." he said

A man from Chapel Street, Newry, now resident in London - William McCann, aged 34 of Duncan House, London Fields, Hackney - was last week presented with The Royal Humane Society's certificate for bravery at a ceremony in Old Street Police Station, East London.

William 'Willie' McCann in March last, saved the life of 27-year-old James Heather from drowning in a canal.

Police Superintendent Hawks of the London Metropolitan Police Force, making the presentation to Mr. McCann in the presence of the Old Street station force of constables, sergeants and women police officers, said it was most gratifying that members of the public, who with little regard for their own safety, saved others who were in danger and distress.

Mr. McCann in an interview told a press reporter,

"It was really nothing.

I did what anyone else in my position would have done."

Mr. McCann is a son of Mrs. Mary McCann and the late Mr. Charles McCann, 6 Chapel Street, Newry, who went to London in 1938, then aged 18. He served throughout the war years in The Merchant Navy.