Residents of a Newfoundland coastal town are both puzzled and thrilled by the unexpected and mysterious appearance of a shipwreck from centuries ago on a nearby beach.
A resident named Gordon Blackmore was out hunting seabirds on the sandy shores of Cape Ray when he noticed a dark shadow in the murky waters. It was not there during his previous visit a few days ago. He quickly returned home and excitedly told his mother about the discovery, according to her interview with the Canadian Press. She grabbed her jacket and hurried to the beach to see it with her own eyes. She described it as “amazing” and couldn’t find any other words to describe it.
Cape Ray, a town with a population of 350 on the southwestern coast of Newfoundland, has a shared history with an island referred to as “the Rock.” This location serves as the burial place for at least eight ships that were lost due to severe weather, navigation errors, or unfortunate circumstances.
However, what sets this recent discovery apart is the mysterious circumstances surrounding the sudden appearance of the wreck.
Neil Burgess, the leader of the organization dedicated to preserving shipwrecks in Newfoundland and Labrador, believes that the ship was released due to a combination of natural factors such as erosion and the power of post-tropical storm Fiona. This storm caused significant damage to homes in the area last year.
According to the Canadian Press, the recent significant ocean waves may have successfully dislodged the shipwreck and caused it to move closer to the coastline.
“He exclaimed that this was perfection and a fantastic event.”
Images of the wreckage shared on social media have provided some insights into the origins of the ship. The presence of wooden dowels and copper pegs, which were popular materials during the 1800s, has been noted. Additionally, the size of the ship, estimated to be at least 24 meters, indicates that it was bigger than a schooner.
The state authorities have dispatched a group to examine the shipwreck, with the goal of identifying and potentially conserving any existing parts of the ship. However, the natural forces of tides and weather, which have historically determined the fate of ships, will also determine when experts can access the site.
Residents are worried that powerful waves could drag the wreck back down into the ocean. Despite warnings from officials not to disturb the site, some argue that natural forces could potentially cause more damage than people taking souvenirs.
Wayne Osmond, a resident of Cape Ray, reminded us that there are years when sea ice forms in this area. He warned that if this occurs, the wreck could sustain more damage in a matter of hours than it has in centuries of being submerged in deeper waters.
The Facebook page of the community has turned into a platform for discussing and investigating the potential sources of the wreck. Local inhabitants are searching through historical records and their own familial knowledge of deadly journeys.
However, it also acts as a strong reminder of the fragile connection that communities, especially Newfoundlanders, have with the ocean.
Elizabeth Gover, a resident, expressed that the recent awakening has brought attention to a significant part of our past. Many descendants are curious about the identities and locations of their ancestors who perished in the cold waters near our shores. It would be beneficial for everyone if we could share our knowledge of this history and provide a space for commemoration, even if it is just a marker. Gover reminds us that this is our shared history and encourages us to uncover more about it.
Source: theguardian.com
