9 August 1967 went down in the history of ORP Błyskawica as one of the most tragic days in the history of this distinguished Polish warship.
During naval exercises at sea, a catastrophic accident occurred in one of the ship’s boiler rooms. The sudden release of extremely hot, high-pressure steam claimed the lives of seven Polish sailors. Four died at the scene, while three others, despite receiving medical assistance, later succumbed to their injuries.
In 2026, we mark the 59th anniversary of this tragedy.
Seven sailors – seven names that must never be forgotten
Those who lost their lives on 9 August 1967 were:
- 2nd Lt. Jerzy Malinowski
- Chief Petty Officer Ignacy Kondrat
- Chief Petty Officer Kazimierz Marulewski
- Senior Seaman Roman Jurczyga
- Senior Seaman Stefan Kowalczyk
- Senior Seaman Stefan Lepczyński
- Senior Seaman Edward Stachniuk
Behind every name was a human being – a son, brother, husband, father, friend and fellow sailor. Their deaths left an everlasting mark on their families and on the history of the Polish Navy.
ORP “Błyskawica” – a ship with a remarkable history
ORP Błyskawica was already a legendary ship by 1967.
Built in Britain before the outbreak of the Second World War, she left the Baltic in September 1939 together with ORP Grom and ORP Burza as part of Operation Peking.
During the war, Błyskawica served alongside the Royal Navy, taking part in operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean and fighting German naval and air forces.
After the war, the ship returned to Poland and continued her service under the Polish white-and-red flag.
Today, ORP Błyskawica is preserved as a museum ship in Gdynia and remains one of the most important symbols of Poland’s maritime heritage.
Polish Sue remembers
For Polish Sue Association in Great Britain, remembering the sailors of ORP Błyskawica is not limited to one anniversary.
Every year, we honour the history, service and sacrifice of ORP Błyskawica by organising a special commemorative programme – the “Days of ORP Błyskawica”.
The initiative brings together the Polish community, historians, representatives of Polish institutions, veterans, young people and all those who wish to preserve the memory of the Polish Navy and its sailors.
More on „Days of ORP Błyskawica” below:
Through exhibitions, commemorations, lectures, educational activities and meetings, we ensure that the story of ORP Błyskawica continues to be passed from one generation to the next.
The Days of ORP Błyskawica are also a reminder that the history of the ship is not only a story of wartime courage and victories. It is also a story of ordinary men who served their country and, in some cases, paid the ultimate price while carrying out their duties.
59 years later – we remember
On the 59th anniversary of the tragedy, we bow our heads in remembrance of the seven sailors who lost their lives aboard ORP Błyskawica.
Their service ended tragically, but their names remain part of the history of the Polish Navy.
We remember.
May their memory live on.
Eternal glory to the fallen.
May the Polish white-and-red flag always remind us of those who served it faithfully until the very end.
Polish Sue Association in Great Britain
Remembering Polish heroes and all those who paid the ultimate price for their service.
Text: Iwona Golinska, President of Polish Sue Association.
Photo: Polish Sue, TPOMB
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