Arson is NOT suspected

That is a real tragedy. As they say in the BBC report, the buildings and boats can be replaced, but the real loss is the historical memorabilia.

I think the destruction of some old photos hardly merits the description 'tragedy'! A drowning may be a 'tragedy' but some historical memorabilia getting damaged isn't.
 
Trophies, Medals and pots dating back to the foundation of the club (1871), from a club that trained the likes of Steve Redgrave, Sarah Winckless and Zac Purchase. I would justify the loss of so many historical and memoriable artifacts as a tragedy. What about if one othe remaining Dunkirk boats went up in smoke, would that not be a tragedy?
 
Trophies, Medals and pots dating back to the foundation of the club (1871), from a club that trained the likes of Steve Redgrave, Sarah Winckless and Zac Purchase. I would justify the loss of so many historical and memoriable artifacts as a tragedy. What about if one othe remaining Dunkirk boats went up in smoke, would that not be a tragedy?

I concur with your sentiments. Whatever the word used to describe it, this is a great loss. I have never been to Marlow but was a frequent visitor to LRC in slimmer days when I lived in Putney. There are some great photos and artifacts there and I would be very sad if they were lost. I would expect Marlow to have had similar treasures.
 
I think the destruction of some old photos hardly merits the description 'tragedy'! A drowning may be a 'tragedy' but some historical memorabilia getting damaged isn't.

Definition of TRAGEDY
1
a : a medieval narrative poem or tale typically describing the downfall of a great man b : a serious drama typically describing a conflict between the protagonist and a superior force (as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that elicits pity or terror c : the literary genre of tragic dramas
2
a : a disastrous event : calamity b : misfortune



For Marlow Rowing Club, this was indeed a disastrous event : calamity b : misfortune !
 
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