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Shipwrecks

The Maritime History Archive holds significant sources which can be used for researching shipwrecks and disasters at sea.

M.V. Hopedale

M.V. Hopedale sinking at the wharf in Port aux Basques, NL, after the fire of March 14, 1984.

From the Capt. Harry Stone Collection, PF-055.2-N50. © Maritime History Archive, 1984

Maritime History Archive Shipwrecks File
This database includes information of shipping disasters taken from the shipwrecks files at the MHA. The data was compiled mostly from newspapers and reports of the Canadian Coast Guard and covers the period from 1880 to 1930.

Certificates of Vessel Registry
The computer data files of the Certificates of Vessel Registry from the Atlantic Canada Shipping Project can be searched for vessel disposals. The level of detail in the vessel registries varies, but precise location of wrecks is infrequently included in the data. (Now available on the Ships and Seafarers of Atlantic Canada database)

The Board of Trade Wreck Registers, 1850-1898
This is a file of selected information relating to vessels registered at the ports of St. John's, Newfoundland, Saint John, New Brunswick, Halifax and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, arranged by port of registry and official number or name of vessel. Located in Microfilm 7-10.

The Maritime History Archive holds significant sources which can be used for researching shipwrecks and disasters at sea.

S.S. Marsland

S.S. Marsland sinking near St. John's, Newfoundland, 2 July 1933.

From the Capt. Harry Stone Collection at the Maritime History Archivee, PF-001.1-F38a. Image is in the public domain.

PUBLICATIONS

Lloyd's List, 1741-1914.
Lloyd's List is a marine newspaper that was first published by Lloyd's of London in 1741. From 1884 - 1914 it was published as Shipping Mercantile Gazette and Lloyd's List. The daily publication includes information on vessel movements and casualties. From 1839-1927 the Index to Lloyd's List provides a reference to the entry in the list by name of vessel.

The vessel Bill Crosbie

General cargo vessel Bill Crosbie, sinking in the harbour at St. John's, NL, in January, 1980.

Other published material on shipwrecks held at the Maritime History Archive includes Disasters at Sea During the Age of Steam, 1824-1962 Charles Hocking. (London: Lloyd's Register of Shipping, 1989); Lloyd's War Losses, the second World War, Volume 1. (London: Lloyd's Register of Shipping, 1989); Syren and Shipping Mercantile War Loss Book, Merchant vessels lost in World War 1. Lloyd's Register, [1764-1995]; Shipwreck Index of the British Isles, Richard and Bridget Larn. Volumes 1 and 2, (London: Lloyd's Register of Shipping, 1995).