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From: "C.Pieczewski" <>
Subject: [NF-ROOTS] Bell Island R.A.G.
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2003 22:11:19 -0400


#14

Bell Island Submarine Miner November 1954 Issue

Wabana Flashbacks

On Sunday evening November 10th, 1940, the worst tragedy in the history of
Bell Island, Portugal Cove ferry service occurred, when two motor boats,
operating a passenger service between those terminals, collided less than a
quarter mile from the Beach at Bell Island, during a blinding snow squall.
The “Garland” with 26 people on board (mainland employees returning to the
Island, to go on shift Monday morning and Bell Island people returning from
a week-end holiday) sank almost immediately following a collision with the
“Golden Dawn,” bound for Portugal Cove.
Frantic cries for help filled the cool evening air, when all on board the
“Garland” were suddenly cast into the icy waters of Conception Bay – only
four people survived, 22 lost their lives.
The “Golden Dawn” had no passengers on board at the time and the crew was
successful in maneuvering the craft back to the ferry terminal at the Beach.
Darkness, falling snow, and the fact the fact that few people were about at
the time, prevented rescue work being carried out in time. Before small
boats could reach the scene, the tragedy was complete.
On Monday morning, small boats from all around with crews especially
equipped for the occasion, began dragging for bodies and all but a few were
recovered.


One of the heaviest gales in history struck Bell Island in November 1919,
causing tides to rise two feet above the Beach, forcing people living there
to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground. Two years later, during
November 1921, another terrific storm was experienced, forcing people living
on the Beach to leave their homes again. This storm also demolished the
public wharf there.


Obituaries
Sincere sympathy is expressed to the bereaved relatives of the following
employees who died recently:
Philip PENNEY in hi 44th year, at the General Hospital, St. John’s on Oct
16th after a prolonged illness
Pensioner Edward RYAN in his 68th year at his home in Marysvale, Brigus,
C.B., on Oct 21st
Maurice HYNES in his 48th year, at his home at Bell Island on Oct 26th
after an illness of several months.


.......More to come


Coleen Murrin-Norcott-Pieczewski



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