1
Shining it's guiding light far out to sea for over 120 years the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse has given guidance and comfort to innumerable sailors and fishers. The light house and it's keeper were much more than just common fixtures upon the coast line. They represented safety and comfort to the many thousands of mariners who voyaged past their welcome beacon. Here was a very real symbol of concern for their well being, and of help if needed. The lightkeeper stood guard all night, every night, sometimes for years on end, providing guidance through the oft treacherous oceans. For this they became a breed apart, a reputation the so justly deserved.2
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse27 November 2003
Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland
3
Located high atop the eastern cliffs of Newfoundland , the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse sits resolutely, a lonely sentinel on an unforgiving coast.4
Where we are.1890
Newfoundland and Labrador
5
For thousands of years mariners have plied the seas for many forms of commerce. Light beacons have aided their travels, helping make the journel less perilous. The first great lightstation, the Pharos of Alexandria, was a one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. As travel across the Atlantic became more frequent, the journey was still rife with dangers. It has been estimated that since Cabot's voyage in 1497 up to 15,000 vessels have been wrecked along our more than 10,000 kilometers of shoreline.6
Cristopel1885
Bonavista Bay , Newfoundland and Labrador
7
The sea routes through Bonavista and Trinity bays were often as dangerous as any place on the seven seas. Vicious storms frequently lash the coast, bringing destruction wherever they go.8
Bonavista and Trinity bays.4 April 2004
East Coast, Newfoundland and Labrador
9
Some wrecks in Bonavista Bay4 April 2004
Bonavista Bay , Newfoundland and Labrador
10
With an increase in shipping came an increase in ships being lost.A partial list of wrecks in the Bonavista area.
Little Belle....1846
Salmon.........1841
Unnaned schooner....1831
Brig Ann Mills... ....1858
unnamed schooner........1833
unnamed schooner........1851
Brig Eric........................1878
S.S. Berisoff.................1894
S.S. Benedict...............1896
Dorothy B......................1924
J.C. Squires..................1953
Kronen...........................1910
Vagabond Prince..........1966
Mary...............................1867
Mary...............................1844
Haskel............................1919
Bertha............................1931
Valkrie...........................1909
Winnie M.......................1931
Brig Confederate..........1871
Haskel............................1919
Blue Mist 2.....................1966
Barque Christobel..........1885
J.H. Blackmoore ............1948
Snorre.............................1907
Lost off the Cape
Happy Home...................1884
Phylis...............................1890
Flash...............................1877
Northern Light................1884
Elsie May........................1884
Drummer tax...................1921
Felicity............................1883
Lost off Kings Cove
Celia Hutton.....................1868
Little Gem........................1889
Mary Anthus....................1901
Post Boy.........................1860
Plover..............................1890
Richard............................1866
Fanny..............................1885
Grapeshot.......................1878
The John.........................1830
King.................................1830
Edward............................1876
Anthony...........................1913
L Roy...............................1937
Lettie M Prince................1932
In Kings Cove vicinity
Sarah Ann....Keels.........1885
Thomas....Birchy Cove...1844
Discovery ...Duntara......1869
Sid and Sam...Keels......1955
Elsie M. O. ...Plate Cove..1935
Percy Knee...Keels............?
Howard Young...Castle Cove..1935
Cape Freels and Area, Bonavista Bay North
Alice...................................1875
The Iolan............................1893
Hunter..................................1898
Robert.................................1896
unnamed...Lumsden..........1930
Parsee................................1891
unnamed.............................1891
unnamed.............................1891
Lady Tupper.......................1891
Hope...................................1897
Off Cabot Island, Bonavista Bay North
Jane....................................1856
Volunteer...........................1868
Puritan................................1898
Brig Giraffe.......................1869
Brig Volunteer...................1869
Cat Harbour area, Bonavista Bay North
Unicorn..............................1859
Adamant...........................1861
Erema H. .........................1929
British Gem......................1878
White Star........................1875
Feltham...................... ....1861
Greenspond area, Bonavista Bay North
Francais P.Drake..............1947
Lloyd Elswort................ ..1933
Clara Hollett.......................1978
Flora J. Nickelson.............1950
Virginia Ann.......................1974
James and Anastatia........1849
Kangaroo...........................1881
Exotic.................................1933
Robert Young ...................1932
Unnamed schooner...........1891
In the Bay
Prosperity............................1887
Kingfisher............................1863
Unnamed.............................1867
11
These wreck maps represent only a portion of the vessels loss in the two bays.Storms were as devestating as reefs and shoals.The great gale of 1885 destroyed more than 80 schooners alone. This particular storm claimed 300 lives and left over 2000 people destitute12
Some wrecks in Trinity Bay4 April 2004
Trinity Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
13
A partial list of wrecks in Trinity Bay.Catalina Area
Mary..................................1869
Benedict..................... .....1896
Phylis................................1890
Bright Eye.........................1954
Ella M. Randolph..............1926
Wayne Rover...................1962
Wesleyville.......................1963
Allan..................................1924
Trinity area
Union..................................1834
2 unnamed schooners......1848
Everett Steer.........................?
Gem ......................................?
Katrel......................................?
Unnamed................................?
Primo.............................1848?
Hopeful..........................1848?
Gem...............................1881?
Fenmore........................1960
Marid..............................1957
Alma .............................1907
Alice May.......................1906
Cubequid.......................1914
Cold Storage.................1937
Dianthus.......................1921
Norman L. Conrad.......1957
Trixie H..........................1887
Brig Llewellyn................1881
Lucerne..........................1901
Ocean.............................1845
Gertrude and Jan..........1939
George McKay............1939?
Margaret........................1939?
Amie E. Conrad............1939?
14
Old shipwreck map1900
Memorial University of Newfoundland Archives
 |
 |
 |
 |