Italy establishes national day of remembrance for Arandora Star victims

The Italian Senate approved a law proposed by Senator Enzo Amich that designates October 11 as the National Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Arandora Star sinking. The British liner was torpedoed by a German submarine on 2 July 1940, killing around 800 people, including 446 Italians. The law calls for school programs, cultural activities and commemorations to keep the memory of the tragedy alive and strengthen ties between Italy and the United Kingdom.

In Ireland, a book titled “Sulle tracce della nave Arandora Star – 2 luglio 1940” by Francesco Morelli was presented at the Rocca di Cashel. The event was attended by Italian Ambassador Nicola Faganello, regional councilor Gianluca Quadrini and other officials. Morelli’s research identified the burial sites of Italian victims in County Mayo and supported the installation of commemorative plaques. He emphasized that the new national day “offers a long‑overdue act of human and civil justice.”

Both events underline a renewed state‑led effort to honour the forgotten victims and to foster historical links between Italy, Ireland and the broader diaspora.