An unexpectedly discovered overturned hull of what appears to be an ancient ship has emerged along the southwestern tip of Newfoundland, as captured in an image shared by Corey Purchase. Photo credit: Corey Purchase.
In an unexpected discovery along the southwestern tip of Newfoundland, a sizable shipwreck, seemingly ancient, has captured the attention of residents. The overturned hull emerged near Cape Ray, prompting curiosity about its origins and the fate of those who may have sailed on it. Wanda Blackmore's son, Gordon, stumbled upon the wreck while hunting seabirds, and the subsequent ebb of the tide drew a stream of intrigued locals to the site.
Wanda Blackmore, expressing awe at the find, voiced a common sentiment among residents keen to unveil the ship's identity and unravel its historical narrative. The emergence of the wreck is attributed to the erosion of the coastline, particularly during the aftermath of post-tropical storm Fiona in September 2022, which battered the area, causing substantial property damage and altering shorelines. Neil Burgess, president of the Shipwreck Preservation Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, theorizes that Fiona's impact dislodged the buried ship, with subsequent storms gradually revealing it.
Examining the wreck, Burgess suggests its construction dates back to the 1800s. Notable features, such as trunnels (wooden dowels used in ships of that era) and copper pegs securing the hull's planks, indicate its historical origins. Estimated to be about 24 meters long, the incomplete hull suggests the original ship was even larger, possibly surpassing the dimensions of a schooner. Burgess, though residing in St. John's, is eager to visit the site for a firsthand assessment.
While shipwrecks are not uncommon in the Newfoundland seabed, the Cape Ray discovery stands out, generating excitement among locals. Wanda Blackmore has actively reached out to authorities, including the Maritime History Archive at Memorial University and the premier, urging protection measures for the wreck. She envisions experts visiting Cape Ray to unravel the ship's story, with the hope of preserving a part of it in the Cape Ray lighthouse museum, a federally recognized heritage structure.
Cape Ray, historically part of a significant maritime route, adds an element of mystery to the find, as the ship could hail from anywhere along this once-bustling pathway. The discovery, considered a noteworthy event by Burgess, amplifies the significance of this unexpected unveiling.
In conclusion, the emergence of an ancient shipwreck near Cape Ray has sparked local intrigue, with residents eager to uncover its history. The ship's exposure is linked to coastal erosion, particularly influenced by post-tropical storm Fiona. Neil Burgess, identifying key features, places its construction in the 1800s. The find, though not unique in the region, has ignited excitement, prompting calls for protective measures and a potential museum display. Cape Ray's historical significance adds to the mystery surrounding the origin of the ship. This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on January 27, 2024.
