IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The BERMUDA was a barquentine, a three-masted vessel with square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the main and mizzen masts. Built at Roblin’s Cove in the Bay of Quinte in 1868, the BERMUDA was designed for the Great Lakes grain trade, frequently transporting barley from ports like Oshawa to destinations such as Oswego. The vessel was known for its robust construction, a necessity for withstanding the often harsh conditions of Lake Ontario. Despite its strong build, the BERMUDA ultimately fell victim to one of the most severe storms recorded on the lake.
HISTORY #
The BERMUDA had a storied career on the Great Lakes, primarily serving the grain trade. Owned at various times by prominent figures such as James O. Guy of Oshawa, the vessel was a familiar sight at ports around Lake Ontario. On November 6, 1880, the BERMUDA was loaded with 9,000 bushels of barley at Oshawa’s pier, a process hastened by Captain John Allen’s concern over an ominously low barometer. Despite his efforts to depart before the weather worsened, the BERMUDA was caught in the devastating gale of November 7, 1880.
The storm, which claimed numerous vessels and lives, struck with such ferocity that it tore the rudder from the BERMUDA, rendering the ship unmanageable. Captain Allen attempted to beach the vessel near Port Granby, hoping to find some shelter for the battered ship. Unfortunately, the BERMUDA struck a boulder bar near the shore, leaving her crew stranded in the freezing November waters. A heroic rescue effort by the men of Port Granby, led by Edward Thomas Brown, managed to save all but one of the crew members.
The vessel itself was beyond saving. The next day, as the wind shifted to the east, the BERMUDA was broken apart by the relentless waves, her remains scattered along the shore for miles. The ship’s bell, a carpenter’s plane, and a few other small items were the only things salvaged from the wreck.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The BERMUDA was utterly destroyed in the great gale of November 7, 1880. The wreck occurred near Port Granby, where the ship was driven onto a boulder bar and subsequently torn apart by the storm. The remains of the ship were scattered along the shoreline, and the vessel was a total loss. The surviving crew members were rescued, though they endured significant hardship during the storm.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the BERMUDA was located and described by the residents of Port Granby immediately following the storm. The exact site of the wreck is known from historical accounts, particularly those of Edward Thomas Brown, who participated in the rescue efforts.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the BERMUDA wreck site. However, the area near Port Granby is known for its hazardous conditions, especially during storms, and mariners should exercise caution when navigating the waters nearby.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Conclusion #
The BERMUDA is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes sailors in the 19th century. Despite the vessel’s robust construction and the skill of her crew, the sheer power of the November 1880 gale proved overwhelming. The story of the BERMUDA and her crew’s narrow escape, along with the ultimate destruction of the vessel, highlights both the peril and the heroism inherent in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Keywords #
BERMUDA, Barquentine, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Port Granby, 1880 Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Grain Trade, Maritime Disaster, November Gale.
