Evening Telegram 15 December 1922, Page 11.
Loss of the Nordfjeld
UNUSUAL CURRENTS IN STRAITS OF BELLE ISLE.
(Western Star, Dec. I3.)
After fifteen miles trip by dogs and komatik from Flowers Cove to St. Barbe, Capt. Lundell of the steamer Nordfjeld, and his crew numbering 31 in all, arrived at Curling by the S. S. Sagona on Thursday afternoon. The Nordfjeld was lost on Flower Ledges, near Flower’s Cove on the evening of November 22nd, as reported in a previous issue of the Western Star. The Nordfjeld had on board 4800 tons of coal, and was bound from Sunderland to Gaspie, Que., said Capt. Lundell to a representative of the Western Star. She sighted Labrador coast just before dark on the evening of November 21, but being unable to get correct location, owing to the falling snow, the captain kept his ship outside until the following morning when he was able to see Belle Isle and get bearings. Shortly after entering the Straits, however, the weather thickened again, with increasing wind. The engines were reduced to half speed and later to slow. The wind was from the north-east and increased to a blizzard. Regular soundings were made to keep in the middle of the Straits. According to the soundings, however, the captain thought the current had swept his ship towards the Labrador shore. So to avoid Point Amour, and some ice that had been reported by passing steamers, to lie between Greenley Island and Pt. Amour, Captain Lundell altered his course for fifteen minutes to take her as he thought, off Labrador coast. Soundings were again taken, when just at that time he sighted breakers on port bow. The helm was put hard to port and the engines to full speed ahead, to try and avoid the breakers, but the heavy seas and wind prevented the ship from coming up, the engines were then reversed, but by this time the seas were washing over the ship, the engines were stopped as she drifted broadside upon the rocks and filled with water immediately. This was four p.m. on the 22nd of November. The snow was falling so thick and fast that one could scarcely see the breadth of the ship, and the wind had reached a hurricane. The S.O.S. calls were sent out and rockets and blue lights were sent up. Life belts were also distributed to the men and the life boats made ready. At 6 p.m. Flower’s Cove light was seen, and it was discovered that the ship was upon Flower’s Ledges, about seven cables from the light. Instead of setting to the north the current had evidently carried the ship to the south. The fishermen later asserted that an unusual current was setting on the Newfoundland shore instead of the regular current which runs east and west through the Straits. The ship being fast upon the rocks it was decided safest to remain on board until the sea subsided. The night which followed was a terrible one with sea continuously breaking over the ship and the only shelter for the distressed mariners was in the cabin amidships. Next morning the sea and wind had dropped considerably and about noon two motor boats put off from the shore and offered to take the crew ashore. All except the captain and three other men went ashore. As the night came on and it was realized that nothing could be done to salve the ship, and a change of wind from the westward would make it impossible to leave the ship, which might go to pieces with the possible loss of all hands, she being stranded at the worst place in the Straits of Belle Isle, the captain and the other men abandoned the ship and were taken ashore. All were given shelter in the homes of the people of Flower’s Cove who were most hospitable and attentive to their care during the days which followed.
The Customs Officer at Flower’s Cove, Mr. Caravan was appointed Commissioner of wrecks, and when the Sagona arrived a survey was held by Capt. Tavener and Pilot Gullage, and the ship pronounced unsalvable.
Capt. Lundell spoke very highly of the treatment extended to himself and his crew by the people of Flower’s Cove, and particularly did he expre3s his appreciation for the numerous services shown by Rev. Richards, the Church of England Missionary for the Straits of Belle Isle, and Mrs. Richards, and the Customs Officer, Mr. Caravan. The Captain and Chief Engineer enjoyed the hospitality of the home of the Missionary.
The Nordfjeld was a ship of 2307 tons net and 3631 tons gross, being capable of carrying a cargo of 6000 tons dead weight. She was built at Newcastle-onTyne twenty years ago, and belonged to the Garrad Line, Christiania, Norway. Her crew was made up of six nationalities.
Captain Lundell and his crew joined Friday’s No. 1 express enroute to Halifax.
