November 02

On November 2nd, 1707, eight Royal Navy vessels led by Sir Cloudesley Shovell approached the Isles of Scilly in stormy conditions. Due to imprecise methods for determining longitude, four ships—including HMS Association—struck hidden rocks. Over 1,400 sailors drowned in one of Britain's worst naval disasters. The catastrophe highlighted the critical need for accurate sea navigation. In response, the British government offered a substantial prize for a reliable longitude solution. This initiative culminated in the Longitude Act of 1714 and the eventual invention of the marine chronometer. The event marked a turning point in both naval history and scientific advancement.

On November 2nd, 1882, a catastrophic blaze ignited in Oulu's densely packed wooden district. High winds and narrow streets allowed the flames to spread rapidly. Over 200 buildings were destroyed, leaving thousands homeless. Residents and firefighters battled the inferno through frigid conditions. In its aftermath, new regulations required firebreaks, stone construction, and wider streets. Rebuilding transformed Oulu's skyline and set a model for urban planning in Finland. The 1882 fire remains a pivotal event in the city's collective memory.

On November 2, 1973, Aeroflot Flight 19, en route from Tbilisi to Leningrad, was commandeered by hijackers seeking political asylum. The aircraft was forced to land at Vnukovo International Airport near Moscow, where Soviet authorities surrounded the jet and prepared to board. The hijackers, reportedly Georgian nationals, demanded to be flown to Turkey but were ultimately apprehended after a tense standoff. No passengers were harmed during the incident, and the crew complied with orders to ensure everyone’s safety. The Soviet government handled the crisis discreetly, conducting closed-door negotiations to resolve the situation. Following the hijacking, security measures across domestic flights in the USSR were significantly tightened. The event underscored growing concerns over airline security during the Cold War. Aeroflot 19’s hijacking remains a lesser-known episode in aviation history but contributed to the global push for stricter anti-hijacking protocols.

On November 2, 1988, Flight 703 from LOT Polish Airlines crashed near Białobrzegi in southeastern Poland. The plane encountered difficulties during landing in poor weather, skidding off the runway and sustaining heavy damage. Despite the crash, most passengers and crew survived, though one person lost their life and several others were injured. Investigators examined pilot decisions, weather conditions, and airport safety measures. The accident prompted reviews of landing protocols and improvements in regional aviation standards.

On November 2, 1997, Tropical Storm Linda struck the Mekong Delta, unleashing torrential rain and fierce winds. The storm caused widespread flooding, destroyed homes, and devastated agricultural land. Communities in low-lying coastal areas bore the brunt of the damage, with over 3,000 lives lost. Relief efforts faced challenges from damaged infrastructure and communication breakdowns. Linda’s aftermath prompted stronger disaster preparedness and early warning systems in Vietnam.