1875 a ferry accident tore pilgrims to death: Gratkorn commemorates the pilgrimage disaster - Graz-Umgebung

GRATKORN. It was probably the greatest misfortune in the history of Gratkorn. On a pilgrimage on 18 May 1875 from St. Stefan to Strassengel the ferry did not stop during the crossing over the Mur of the load, broke and sank with 159 people. Only the few could be saved. Tuesday after Pentecost was a popular pilgrimage day. Much more than 400 pilgrims left from Gratkorn to Strassengel at 6.30 am. They chose the shorter route over the Mur with a fe…