80 years on from the ‘Indian Titanic’ – it’s time to tell the story, says great-grandson of the drowned
Last known survivor of the S.S. Tilawa tragedy still alive. Mr. Arvinbhai Jani, age 83 from South London.
By Emile SolankiOct 03, 2022
November 23, 2022 marks 80 years since the S.S. Tilawa ship was sunk in the middle of the Indian Ocean during World War 2. A commemoration has been organized on this date at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Mumbai, India. This will be the first time the incident is officially acknowledged, and the loss of life memorialized.
The British-built ship was traveling from Mumbai to South Africa and was sunk by the Japanese in the Indian Ocean, close to the Seychelles.
S.S. Tilawa Ship
The ship contained many Indian nationals, 280 of whom lost their lives, including Mr. Nichhabhai Chibabhai Solanki. His great-grandson, Emile Solanki, now living in Toronto Canada, is encouraging further research into the S.S. Tilawa incident and wants it to gain more attention at maritime museums and similar.
In 2017 a British exploration company visited the wreck site using a subsea vessel. It took over 6 months to find 2,364 silver bars with a value of approximately £32 million. November 23, 2022, marks the 80th anniversary since the S.S. Tilawa forgotten tragedy. A commemoration has been organized for Wednesday, November 23rd at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Mumbai, India.
S.S. Tilawa was a passenger-cargo liner sunk by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War Two. On November 20th, 1942 at 17:00, the British-built ship left Mumbai for South Africa. There were 222 crew members, with 732 passengers, 9 lifeboats, and over 6,000 tons of cargo, including 60 tons of silver bullion. Its route was from Mumbai to South Africa via the Seychelles, Mombasa, and Maputo, ending in Durban. Passengers were mainly Indian nationals.
On November 23rd, in the early hours of the morning, 930 miles northeast of the Seychelles, Tilawa was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Army. The I-29 B-1 Submarine, twice torpedoed Tilawa. After the first torpedo attack, the first officer transmitted SOS messages. Unfortunately little could be done, and once the second torpedo hit the ship sank quickly. For the next 2 days, all aboard would fight for their lives and see their fellow passengers and loved ones drown to death.
Eventually, a rescue mission led by a Royal Navy Cruiser HMS Birmingham and S.S. Carthage ensured 682 people were rescued. A total of 280 lives were lost. Those rescued were taken back to Mumbai by November 27th 1942.
It was always known that 60 tons of silver bullion was onboard the ship. In 2017 a British exploration company visited the wreck site using a subsea vessel. It took over 6 months to find 2,364 silver bars with a value of approximately £32 million. Documents reveal the Indian Government sold these silver bars to the government of South Africa during the war for the purpose of coinage. The bullion onboard S.S. Tilawa was the last of 4 consignments. This recent discovery sheds new light on this tragedy, with an opportunity to further research and increase awareness.
It is unknown why S.S. Tilawa was sunk in the Indian Ocean. Did the Japanese Imperial Army know there was bullion on the ship, or, did they see the ship as a military threat? Where were HMS Birmingham and S.S. Carthage when Tilawa was attacked? Did the British, Indian, or Japanese Governments hold any classified information, including any communication between these vessels during the attack?
It is believed S.S. Tilawa was the only passenger cargo liner attacked in the Indian Ocean during the war. This tragedy represents the Indian immigrant story, where people endeavored to break free from poverty and village life. The continent of Africa presented new opportunities with better prospects. Few know of the incident, yet many families suffered.
Emile Solanki, now living in Toronto Canada, whose great-grandfather Mr Nichhabhai Chibabhai Solanki sadly drowned after Tilawa was torpedoed, said: “This is such a tragic story and so little has been written or researched about it. Along with my father, Mukesh Solanki, who lives in Leicester, UK, I’m hoping to raise further awareness and increase research efforts into this incident. Tilawa deserves to be prominently featured in the history books. Our website www.tilawa1942.com is a contribution towards this endeavor.
Late Mr. Nichhabhai Chibabhai Solanki's grandson Mr. Mukesh R. Solanki (aka Kash Kumar), Great-grandson Mr.Emile Solanki, and Great-great-grandson Mr. Luca M E Solanki
At age 9 my late grandfather Mr. Ranchhodbhai Nichhabhai Solanki lost his father to the Tilawa attack. His cousin-uncle Mr. Devjibhai Bhagabhai Solanki survived. Our grand-uncle, Mr. Vallabhbhai Chibabhai Solanki adopted my grandfather and raised him as his own son with much love and affection.
Son of missing victims, Mr. Mervyn Maciel, age 93, South London
We are always grateful for what he did on our family's behalf. It is quite a thought that if my great-grandfather did not leave any surviving children, I would not be alive today. Through the years, my grandfather yearned for his father. His final wish before his death in 2013 was for the S.S.
Only known survivor, Mr. Arvin Jani, age 83, South London. Mr. Janiholding his late mother's passport who also survived the S.S. Tilawaincident
Tilawa ship and the location of his father's death to be found. He would have been thrilled with the ship's discovery in 2017. This year my father and I are hosting the 80th commemoration at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Mumbai, India on Wednesday, November 23rd. It is a fitting area since S.S. Tilawa departed from Bombay, and all survivors were brought back to the Ballard Pier. This will be the first time a commemoration has been organized to officially acknowledge the incident, and memorialize the loss of life.
Emile Solanki with his grandfather the late Mr. RanchhodbhaiNichhabhai Solanki
Through great effort, I was able to locate some other families connected to the tragedy. No doubt there are many more around the world who may have information to share.
Mr. Arvindbhai Jani age 83 living in South London is the only known survivor. He was age 3 during the Tilawa attack. His older sister Mrs. Chandraben Rawal age 86 living in South London recalls how often her late mother Mrs. Vasantben Labshankar Jani would speak of her survival account. In order to make the last lifeboat, she had to wrap her child in her sari and make the jump. It is extremely moving to know Mr. Jani was actually on the ship!
We were recently in contact with Mr. Pravin Jivan from East London, and 3 gentlemen from South Africa, Mr. Haroon Tar Mahommed, Mr. Ashraf Roomaney, and Mr. Imran Bobat. All are descendants of Tilawa survivors. Hearing their family recollections of the tragedy is a sad reminder of the trauma suffered by countless victims, and the void left even 80 years later.
A known author, Mr. Mervyn Maciel from South London now age 93 was a young lad in Bombay when his father, stepmother, and 3 step-siblings drowned after the second torpedo hit Tilawa. This tragedy had a devastating effect on Mervyn and his 2 brothers. The boys were orphaned overnight, but thanks to their grandfather they were able to build a new life. Yet even today, the thought of his family drowning at sea brings much pain to Mervyn and his family.
We are keen to speak to other potential survivors, descendants of victims, or any with information related to this tragedy. It is my personal desire that one day the story of Tilawa 1942 The Forgotten Tragedy will be featured through documentary and film. In the meantime, we look forward to the 80th commemoration in Mumbai, India on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022.”
VEERASWAMY, the UK's oldest Indian restaurant, is locked in a legal battle with the Crown Estate, which is seeking to evict it from its home at Victory House on Regent Street, where it has operated since 1926.
The Crown Estate wants to take back the building to renovate the upper-floor offices, which have remained empty since a flood in late 2023.
According to The Times, the plans include removing the wall that separates the restaurant’s entrance from the office entrance to create a larger reception area. The restaurant’s co-owner, Ranjit Mathrani of MW Eat, has said this would block access to Veeraswamy, effectively shutting it down.
Mathrani told The Times he had proposed several alternatives, such as sharing the entrance or giving up the first floor and retaining only the basement and mezzanine levels, but none had been accepted. “My dealings with the [Crown Estate] have been characterised by an uncompromising refusal to consider any change to their design plan,” he said in a court filing.
Veeraswamy pays around £205,000 in annual rent, and Mathrani has said he is willing to match the rent paid by future office tenants after renovation. Though initially open to relocating, he said the Crown Estate's claim of helping find a new site was “disingenuous”. “They’ve made no real attempt to find alternative sites for us,” he told The Times.
Veeraswamy’s lease expires at the end of June. However, MW Eat can continue to trade until the court hearing, expected in spring or early summer next year. If the court rules in its favour, the restaurant’s protected tenancy could allow a 14-year extension. If not, Mathrani hopes for a two-year lease to allow time for relocation. “If we lost, that would be our fallback, but moving sites will cost us about £5 million and therefore it is not our preferred option,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Crown Estate said: “We need to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of Victory House to bring the building back into full use. We appreciate how upsetting this is for Veeraswamy and have offered to help find new premises elsewhere on our portfolio, having explored other options to accommodate the restaurant’s needs. We thank Veeraswamy and their customers for their contributions to the West End.”
Nearly a century on Regent Street
Veeraswamy was opened in 1926 by Edward Palmer, an Anglo-Indian and retired British Indian Army officer.
Located at 99-101 Regent Street, the restaurant has served regional Indian cuisine for decades, with dishes from Punjab, Lucknow, Kashmir and Goa.
It has long attracted royalty, political leaders and celebrities. Past diners include Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin, and King Gustav VI of Sweden.
Ownership and Michelin recognition
In 1997, the restaurant was acquired by Ranjit Mathrani and Namitha Panjabi. They restored its interiors and integrated it into their MW Eat group.
In 2016, Veeraswamy received a Michelin star. Inspectors noted that it continued to serve “classic dishes from across the country” with care and professionalism.
Historical roots
Before opening Veeraswamy, Edward Palmer had started EP Veeraswamy & Co. in 1896 to promote Indian food in Britain.
In 1924, he advised the Indian Government Pavilion restaurant at the British Empire Exhibition, which served around 500 curries a day.
Veeraswamy was not the first Indian restaurant in the UK, but it was among the first high-end ones and has remained at its Regent Street location for 99 years.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
The airline said the aircraft landed safely and was being inspected 'as a matter of abundant precaution'.
AN AIR INDIA Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Hong Kong to New Delhi returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff on Monday due to a suspected technical issue.
This incident comes days after an Air India flight to London, also a Boeing 787-8, crashed in Ahmedabad just after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.
Air India said in a statement on Monday that flight AI315 returned to Hong Kong due to "a technical issue", but did not provide further details.
The airline said the aircraft landed safely and was being inspected "as a matter of abundant precaution".
Recordings on the air traffic control website LiveATC.net, reviewed by Reuters, captured a pilot telling air traffic controllers about 15 minutes after takeoff, “for technical reasons, sir, we would like to stay closer to Hong Kong, maybe we will come back and land back into Hong Kong once we sort out the problem.” “We don’t want to continue further,” the pilot added before the plane returned.
The aircraft returned to Hong Kong International Airport after requesting a local standby at around 1 p.m. (0500 GMT) and “landed safely at around 1:15 p.m.”, according to a spokesperson for Airport Authority Hong Kong.
The spokesperson said airport operations were not affected.
Flight tracking website AirNav Radar showed that flight AI315 took off from Hong Kong around 12:20 p.m., climbed to 22,000 feet and then began to descend. The plane was seven years old.
Boeing and Air India did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Hong Kong–New Delhi flight.
Last week’s crash has added to the challenges facing Air India, which has been working to revamp its fleet, and Boeing, which has been trying to regain public trust after a series of safety and production issues.
Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer said earlier on Sunday that he had dropped his initial opposition to a national inquiry in favour of one being led by Louise Casey, a member of the parliament’s upper house. (Photo: Getty Images)
AUTHORITIES have announced a nationwide police operation targeting grooming gangs suspected of sexually exploiting thousands of girls and young women over several decades.
The announcement came hours after prime minister Keir Starmer said a national inquiry would be launched into the scandal, which recently drew attention from Elon Musk.
“The National Crime Agency, the UK’s most senior investigating agency, will carry out a nationwide operation to target predators who have sexually exploited children as part of a gang and put them behind bars,” the Home Office said in a statement.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper said more than 800 grooming gang cases had already been identified by police.
The Home Office said the crackdown aims to deliver “long-awaited justice and prevent more children from being hurt by these vile criminals”.
Starmer said earlier on Sunday that he had dropped his initial opposition to a national inquiry in favour of one being led by Louise Casey, a member of the parliament’s upper house.
The scandal became widely known as official reports revealed long-term sexual exploitation in multiple parts of England.
Men, often of Pakistani origin, were found to have targeted mostly white girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, including some in children’s homes.
The gangs were active in towns and cities including Rotherham and Rochdale in the north, as well as Oxford and Bristol, over nearly four decades.
The issue gained international attention in January after Musk used his X platform to criticise the UK government for not backing a national inquiry.
According to the Home Office, the new police operation will investigate cases that had not previously progressed.
It will also examine how local agencies failed the victims and aim to improve how local police handle such allegations. The Home Office said the operation would help end the “culture of denial” within local services and authorities regarding the scale of the crime.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
The airline did not provide details on the departure time, number of passengers or crew on board, or how long the flight was in the air before returning. (Representational image: Getty Images)
A BRITISH AIRWAYS flight bound for Chennai returned to London mid-air on Sunday after reporting a technical issue.
The airline said the aircraft landed safely and passengers and crew disembarked normally. “The aircraft returned to Heathrow as a standard precaution after reports of a technical issue,” British Airways said in a statement.
The airline did not provide details on the departure time, number of passengers or crew on board, or how long the flight was in the air before returning.
Live flight tracking data from Flightradar24.com showed that British Airways flight BA35 was scheduled to depart at 12.40 pm and arrive in Chennai at 3.30 am. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from London Heathrow at 1.16 pm, following a delay of more than 35 minutes.
According to the website, the flight remained airborne for nearly two hours before returning to London. It also flew in multiple holding patterns before landing at Heathrow.
“Our teams are working hard to get their journeys back on track as soon as possible,” British Airways added.
Meanwhile, a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Hyderabad also turned back mid-air on Sunday, Flightradar24.com showed. The reason for the diversion was not known.
Flight LH752, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departed from Frankfurt at 14.29 instead of its scheduled departure time of 13.05 pm. The flight was due to arrive in Hyderabad at 1.20 am, according to the website.
In the wake of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, London came together in an emotional outpouring of grief and unity at the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow. Over two solemn days, the revered spiritual haven hosted a series of powerful ceremonies led by His Holiness Rajrajeshwar Guruji, drawing together faith leaders, public figures, and residents from across communities.
On the day of the tragedy, Guruji led a spiritually charged recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa 12 times, joined by a team of spiritual practitioners from India. The prayer created a deep atmosphere of collective mourning and healing.
“Prayer is our greatest strength in the face of such loss,” Guruji said. “We do not grieve as Hindus, Muslims, or Christians — we grieve as one humanity.”
The prayer service was attended by several distinguished figures, including Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports.
Two days later, on June 14, Siddhashram partnered with the Harrow Interfaith Forum to host a candlelight vigil — a remarkable expression of unity, attended by representatives of Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, and Zoroastrian communities. Children from the temple led the lighting of candles, setting the tone for an evening of shared sorrow, solidarity, and prayer.
Key dignitaries included:
Simon Ovens DL, Representative of His Majesty King Charles III, who read a message of royal condolence and described the gathering as a reflection of “true British compassion.”
Cllr Anjana Patel, Worshipful Mayor of Harrow, who spoke with visible emotion as a member of the grieving Gujarati community.
Bob Blackman CBE, MP for Harrow East, offered messages of comfort and pledged support for those affected.
Kareema Marikar, former Harrow Mayor, recited a heartfelt Muslim prayer.
Mahavir Foundation’s Nita Sheth and Mukesh Kapashi, who led Jain prayers.
Bobbi Reisel, Jewish representative from Bereavement Care Harrow, who offered messages of solace.
Dorab Mistry, representing the Zoroastrian community, and
Gopal Singh Bhachu, Chair of Harrow Interfaith Forum, who led Sikh prayers with fellow community leaders.
PC Elaine Jackson, Met Police Faith Officer, attended in support of the event’s interfaith spirit.
Attendees travelled from across the UK, including Leicester, to be present. Musicians lifted spirits through devotional melodies, and volunteers ensured all were cared for on a sweltering summer day.
The Siddhashram Shakti Centre, long a sanctuary for spiritual guidance and community healing, once again stood at the heart of London’s collective conscience. As Guruji reflected, “In our unity, we find peace, in prayer, we carry the light of those we lost.”