The SS Cobequid

The Cobequid struck on Trinity Ledge on Jan 13, 1914. No loss of life.

Trinity Ledge is situated about 6 miles west of Burns Point, Yarmouth Co. Three rocks close together with only 1-3 feet of water over them at low tide. Heavy tide rip over the ledge which extends 1.5 miles.
(from DFO "Sailing Directions NS (Atlantic Coast) and Bay of Fundy"

Jack Zinck's Shipwrecks of NS Volume 11, p.85.
"Cobequid. "On January 13, 1914, the steamer Cobequid, under Captain John Howson, struck upon Trinity Ledge. It was later stated that the captain said that the buoy was not lighted, and that it was approximately a mile out of its original position. This was claimed to be the reason why the steamer struck the ledge and tore a hole in the bottom of the steamer.

"At the time the Cobequid hit on the ledge, the tide was almost low and, upon the return of the tide, the steamer began to flood. In order to prevent an explosion, it became necessary to close down the boilers. Before the boilers were shut down the wireless managed to get an SOS signal off, giving the steamer's location which was then thought to be Brier Island. As the water rose slowly into the lower section of the steamer, the passengers were forced to seek shelter on the upper level.

"Because of the circumstances and the waiting period before help came, the passengers and crew were reduced to eating dried biscuits, washing them down with water which had to be melted from ice. They used an iron pot as a make-shift stove, kindled with the furniture from the smoking room.

"When the sea was at its highest peak, the waves broke over the deck, smashing the life boats on the weather side. The crew made ready the life boats that were not damaged, in case it became necessary to leave the steamer before help came.

"When help finally did come, the steamers, Westport III and John N. Cann, saw a sight for sore eyes. The men who helped to preserve life and make it as tolerable as possible were as follows: the steamer's surgeon Dr. Lister, the fifth engineer H.H. Gladwin, the wireless officer E.T. Gladwin Jr., the boatswain, E.W. Grinter who had been through three shipwrecks, boatswain's mate Peter Pollock, the chef Haupe, storekeeper Caw, Prognell Warner Jr., Fisher, Booth and one of the crew by the name of Vacey, who in the process had both his feet frozen."

Back to Scenes from the Past

Postcard contributed by J Outhouse

Return to the Digby County, Nova Scotia GenWeb Homepage

Notice: Everyone is free to read and copy the following information for their own personal use, but not to distribute electronically, or in print, or by other means, in whole, or in part, without written permission.

Comments, questions and suggestions should be sent to DigbyGenWeb(AT)gmail.com Subject : Digby Genweb

Hosted by RootsWeb