1815day.year
The East Indiaman Arniston is wrecked during a storm at Waenhuiskrans, near Cape Agulhas, in present-day South Africa, with the loss of 372 lives.
The East Indiaman Arniston is wrecked off Cape Agulhas in 1815, resulting in the loss of 372 lives and prompting maritime reforms.
On May 30, 1815, the British East Indiaman Arniston wrecks at Waenhuiskrans near Cape Agulhas during a violent storm.
Misled by false lights, the ship runs aground, trapping hundreds of passengers and crew.
Of over 380 people aboard, only six survive the disaster.
The tragedy underscores the perils of navigation around Africa’s southern tip.
News of the wreck spurs the construction of lighthouses to improve maritime safety.
Arniston becomes a lasting reminder of the need for better coastal signaling systems.
1815
East Indiaman
Arniston
Waenhuiskrans
Cape Agulhas
1883day.year
In New York City, 12 people are killed in a stampede on the recently opened Brooklyn Bridge.
A stampede on the newly opened Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 tragically killed 12 people, revealing early challenges in managing large crowds.
The Brooklyn Bridge had opened just days earlier to great fanfare. On May 30, a rumor that the bridge would collapse sparked panic among pedestrians. Hundreds rushed to escape, resulting in a deadly stampede. Emergency crews found 12 victims and many injured. The incident prompted officials to introduce regulations for crowd control and bridge safety. Despite its rocky debut, the bridge soon became an iconic New York landmark.
1883
Brooklyn Bridge
1948day.year
A dike along the flooding Columbia River breaks, obliterating Vanport, Oregon within minutes. Fifteen people die and tens of thousands are left homeless.
A catastrophic dike failure flooded and destroyed Vanport, Oregon, leaving thousands homeless.
On May 30, 1948, a section of the dike along the Columbia River gave way after heavy rains.
The sudden breach sent floodwaters rushing into Vanport, Oregon, within minutes.
Fifteen people lost their lives and tens of thousands were left homeless.
Vanport had been built as wartime housing and was one of Oregon's largest cities.
The disaster's suddenness highlighted the vulnerability of floodplain communities.
Its aftermath led to discussions on flood control and urban planning in the region.
1948
flooding
Columbia River
Vanport, Oregon
1961day.year
Viasa Flight 897 crashes after takeoff from Lisbon Airport, killing 61.
Viasa Flight 897 crashed soon after takeoff from Lisbon, resulting in 61 fatalities.
Viasa Flight 897 departed Lisbon Airport bound for Caracas on 30 May 1961 but crashed shortly after takeoff into nearby terrain. All 61 passengers and crew on board perished, making it one of Portugal’s worst aviation disasters of the era. The tragedy prompted investigations into aircraft maintenance and flight safety procedures. Memorials were held for the victims, and the accident led to improved international aviation regulations to prevent similar disasters.
Viasa Flight 897
Lisbon Airport
1979day.year
Downeast Flight 46 crashes on approach to Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland, Maine, killing 17.
Downeast Flight 46 crashes on approach to Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland, Maine, resulting in 17 fatalities.
On 30 May 1979, Downeast Flight 46, a commuter aircraft operating in New England, crashed during its final approach to Knox County Regional Airport. The flight encountered challenging weather conditions and descended prematurely over rising terrain. The aircraft struck trees and terrain short of the runway, killing all 17 people on board. The National Transportation Safety Board investigation cited limited visibility and procedural lapses. In response, aviation authorities reviewed safety regulations and approach procedures at smaller regional airports. This tragic accident highlighted the risks faced by commuter airlines and led to broader safety reforms.
1979
Downeast Flight 46
Knox County Regional Airport
Rockland, Maine
1998day.year
The 6.5 Mw Afghanistan earthquake shook the Takhar Province of northern Afghanistan with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VII (Very strong), killing around 4,000–4,500.
A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake devastates Takhar Province in northern Afghanistan, causing significant loss of life and structures.
On 30 May 1998, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck the Takhar Province of northern Afghanistan, registering a maximum Mercalli intensity of VII (Very strong). The tremor collapsed thousands of mud-brick homes and buildings in remote villages. Rescue efforts were hampered by the rugged terrain, poor infrastructure, and limited resources. Estimates placed the death toll between 4,000 and 4,500, with many more injured and displaced. International relief agencies faced challenges delivering aid due to security and logistical constraints. The disaster highlighted Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural hazards and the need for strengthened disaster response mechanisms.
1998
Afghanistan earthquake
Takhar Province
Afghanistan
Mercalli intensity
2008day.year
TACA Flight 390 overshoots the runway at Toncontín International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and crashes, killing five people.
TACA Flight 390 overshot the runway at Tegucigalpa’s Toncontín International Airport on May 30, 2008, crashing and resulting in five fatalities.
On May 30, 2008, TACA Flight 390, a Boeing 737-300 flying from San Salvador to Tegucigalpa, attempted to land at Toncontín International Airport under challenging conditions. The aircraft overshot the shortened runway during a wet landing and failed to stop before reaching the runway end. It crashed onto a nearby highway and came to rest against a house, causing significant damage. Five people, including two crew members and three passengers, lost their lives in the accident. The high-altitude airport and its surrounding terrain had long been considered hazardous, prompting calls for safety improvements. Investigators cited runway length limitations and challenging approaches as contributing factors. The crash led to renewed efforts to extend the runway and enhance pilot training for operations at Toncontín.
TACA Flight 390
Toncontín International Airport
Tegucigalpa