In 1887 a string of ice extended from Crew Point [46° 51′ 00″ N – 55° 48′ 00″ W – BH] in the direction of Cape Miquelon, and the “Alc”, Bqte., was lost by being forced on shore by heavy ice, March 18th. (GR).
Jan 4 Souris Wafts – Souris Harbour is completely clear of ice. Schooner “Maggie Alice” sailed on the 31st inst. for Halifax, with produce. Schooner “Harriet Tory” sailed for Bay Fortune, to load produce. By Telegram we hear that SS “Harlow” will leave Halifax on Saturday morning next, and proceed to Magdalen Islands. The plucky managers deserve credit for venturing so late in the season, on so perilous a route! By the appearance of the weather now, the port of Souris is safe for shipping for the next ten or twelve days. Souris, January 4, 1887. (Pat 5 Jan 1887 p2#3)
Jan 5 The steamer “Neptune” is reported about two miles outside the harbour endeavouring to make this port. Mr. Taylor of St. Peter’s Island reports that she hove in sight about 9 o’clock yesterday morning and continued in her endeavour to make this harbour until about 2 o’clock when she turned back and by dusk was out of sight. She returned to the battle early this morning. Outside there is said to be a heavy jam of ice. (Pat 5 Jan p3#2)
Jan 13 Halifax; Low Point, CB., scattered drift ice outside. (MH 28/01/1887 p3 #6)
Feb 9 SS “Hibernian” with Sable Is. bearing south distant 70m, passed a quantity of field ice. (MWR)
Feb 12 Canso, the schooner “Life Boat,” of and for Arichat from Halifax, was driven from her anchor today by heavy gales and drift ice, and went ashore on Burying Island, in the harbor. (MH 14/02/1887 p3 #3)
Feb 14 SS “St. Pierre” from St. Pierre and Halifax 45°26’N 58°05’W met a field of ice from the St. Lawrence and had to run south 45m; steamed along the edge of the ice to 44°25’N 59°08’W and then ran for Halifax. The limit of the ice was 50m from E to W. (NYMR)
Feb 15 Halifax, arrived, steamer “British Queen,” London, reports 48°45’N 47°12’W passed through some heavy field ice, and had to run south to clear it. From 45°4’N to 57°30’W to 44°18N 61°13’W passed through field ice mostly light. (MH 16/02/1887 p3 #5)
Feb 17 Vessels arriving at New York from Newfoundland report very heavy fields of ice from Mizzen [sic] Bank to Sable Island. (MWR).
Mar 5 Ice passing Cape Ray. (GR p.32)
Mar 7-11 A little Gulf ice passed Burgeo. (GR p.94)
Mar 9 No ice at Channel. (GR p.32)
Mar 13 No ice at Channel. (GR p.32)
Mar 15 SS “Trove” [“Trave”] [from 41°48’N 56°40’W to – MWR] 42°26’N 50°49’W passed [14] 100(?) small bergs from noon till 8pm. (NYMR)
Mar 18 42°N 58° [!]W a large berg
Mar 19 No ice at Channel. (GR p.32)
Mar 19 SS “State of Nebraska” ~ 42°46’N 49°39’W passed 3 bergs; 20th, ~ 42°12’N 56°10’W, 3 bergs
Mar 20 Fishing schooner “Frank A. Williams” encountered a field of ice at night while lying-to about 20m southeast of Sable Is. The ice came down on the vessel with great rapidity and by morning she was completely blocked. The ice began to break up a few hours after daylight on the 21st and the schooner was liberated after having received such injuries as to cause her to leak. (MWR)
Mar 22 Dispatch from Ottawa states that the Gulf of St. Lawrence is filled with closely packed ice, except for Cape Rosiers. (PCNAO April 1887)
Mar 23 SS “Republic” ~ 42°33’N 56°40’W passed several icebergs.
Mar 25 Halifax; Low Point, ice distant, moving north. (MH 28/03/1887 p3 #4)
Mar 26 No ice at Channel. (GR p.32)
Mar 28 Channel blocked. (GR p.32)
Apr ? SS “Nestorian” at Quebec from London passed miles and miles of ice from 16° [46°?]54’N 58°45’W to 48°20’N 61°W. (NYMR)
Apr 3 North Sydney harbor is again free of ice and several vessels will clear to-morrow for Halifax and other ports laden with coal; there is no drift ice to be seen on the coast. (MH 04/04/1887 p3 #3)
Apr 4 Ice off La Poile. (GR p.94)
Apr 4-10 Ice in at Channel. (GR p.32)
Apr 6 Pictou, April 6 – the “Northern Light” arrived this afternoon from P E Island, where she was laid up for the winter. She made a quick trip considering the large quantities of floating ice she had to pass through. Capt. Finlayson, who has had command for a number of years still continues to hold the helm. She will return to the Island to-morrow and will continue her regular trips from Pictou to Prince Edward Island. Ice in the mouth of the harbor has entirely disappeared and in a few days is will be clear from the wharves and vicinity. A number of schooners now in port are being rigged out ready to sail at a day’s notice. (MH 07/04/1887 p3 #2)
Apr 6 The ice in the St. Lawrence is breaking up fast and sailing operations will soon commence. (Pat 6 Apr p3#1)
Apr 7 Halifax, arrived Steamer “Newfoundland,” St. John’s, Nfld, reports saw no ice. (MH 09/04/1887 p3 #3)
Apr 7 Low Point, some scattered ice north, moving to eastward. (MH 09/04/1887 p3 #3)
Apr 8 SS “Austrian” 44°56’N 55°30’W several large bergs. (MWR)
Apr 9 Louisburg, CB, April 28. – The schooner “Mary Ann Belle,” of Magdalen Islands, on a sealing voyage, with ten of a crew, was abandoned between Port Nova and the mainland last night. The captain reports left Magdalen Islands April 9th. Met with ice after a short time out. Ran 20 miles east of Bird Rocks ; then got into ice. Was in the ice during the north-easterly gales of 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th. Had then four days calm weather, during which came easterly wind with ice. In the south-east gale of night before last, the vessel being pounded with ice from the heavy sea, commenced to leak. Started pumps immediately, but could not clear the vessel. Meanwhile the vessel drifted with the ice between Port Nova and the mainland and struck on Man of War Rocks. Finding five and one half feet of water in the hold left the vessel to save our lives, as she was pounding heavily. We came ashore on the ice bringing one boat. Saved clothes and a few other articles. No lives lost. Had no seals. The schooner still remains afloat, kept up by the ice. (MH 29/04/1887 p3 #4)
Apr 9 The strait of Canso is clear of ice. (Pat 9 Apr p3#2)
Apr 14 Pictou, the “Northern Light” left P E Island yesterday for Pictou, was off the harbor all night but could not enter on account of so much floating gulf ice, and in consequence put back to Georgetown. There is immense quantities of floating ice about and owing to this the “Beaver,” was to have sailed this morning for the Magdalen Islands, has not left port. (MH 15/04/1887 p3 #4)
Apr 14 The ice on Summerside Harbour is still firm. (Pat 14 Apr p3#1)
Apr 16 SS “Portia” heavy field ice 65m E of Cape Breton; cleared it 15m N of Sable Island [36 hours later; field extended as far as could be seen from the masthead]. (MWR).
Apr 16 Cabot Strait clear. [also] No ice, Cape Ray. (GR p.32)
Apr 17 A report from Meat Cove, CB, says: A Magdalen island schooner named the “East Lynn” was crushed in the ice off that station and is a total loss. The crew was seen to land about five miles to the south of Meat Cove. It is supposed she was a sealing schooner. (MH 18/04/1887 p3 #4)
Apr 18 The steamer “Portia,” arrived last night, reports left St. John on Friday, and saw no ice on the Newfoundland coast. On Saturday morning at eight o’clock, when 65 miles SE of Scatterie, encountered heavy ice, passed through and did not get clear of it, until yesterday morning at eight o’clock, when 15 miles north of Sable Island. (MH 19/04/1887 p3 #1)
Apr 18 Pictou, the steamer “Northern Light” has been off the harbor and could not enter it on account of so much floating gulf ice being packed so tight that it was impossible for her to get through it. She managed to get within five miles of the town, but could get no farther and landed her passengers early yesterday morning at Carriboo [sic]. Yesterday afternoon upwards of one hundred people who had been detained here waiting for her arrival engaged teams and drove to Cariboo to take passage for the island; but it is doubtful if the steamer can get out to sea as she is completely surrounded by ice. (MH 19/04/1887 p3 #3)
Apr 19 A brig passed in. [Cabot Strait?] (GR p.32)
Apr 20 Steamer “Portia” (Br.), which arrived at Halifax April 18 from St. John’s NF, met very heavy ice 65 miles east of Cape Breton Island on the 16th. She was in it for 36 hours, getting clear of it 15 miles north of Sable Island. The field extended as far as could be seen from the masthead. (NYMR, p. 2, col. 5)
Apr 20 The North Shore is said to be surrounded with ice. A late spring is probable. (Pat 20 Apr p3#1)
Apr 20 Seals have been seen in the ice in large numbers off Fifteen Point, Prince County. (Pat 20 Apr p3#1)
Apr 21 SS “Newfoundland” ice on Misaine Bank, S of Liscomb and packed ice off Witchaven [Whitehead?] [it extended so far S that its southern limit could not be seen] (MWR)
Apr 21 SS “St. Pierre” heavy field ice from Cape Breton to Beaver Island. (MWR)
Apr 21 Halifax, steamer “Newfoundland”, St. John’s, Nfld., reports fog and light SE wind until afternoon of 21st inst., when wind became northerly with mist and rain; at 10 p.m. 21st met the ice in long W. on Missaine Bank. Steamed through it which was very heavy and close packed, until off Whitehead, but saw ice south of us, as far as Liscomb, and one body of ice as far as Beaver Island. It extended as far south that its southern limit could not be seen. Several vessels were seen inshore and two fast in the ice. (MH 23/04/1887 p3 #4)
Apr 21 Bird Rocks, fog light, heavy close packed ice moving south. (MH 23/04/1887 p3 #2)
Apr 21 The “Northern Light” is in the ice about two miles off Pictou Harbour, with no water to be seen near her. She must have got entangled in the ice yesterday, as she has not reported at Pictou since she left Georgetown yesterday morning. (Pat 21 Apr p3#1)
Apr 22 Louisburg, arrived here yesterday the schooner “Volant,” of Rose Blanche, Nfld., having been driven out of Bay St. George, over a week ago. She had 150 seals, 50 of those harps got off Scatterie last Saturday. He reports that the schooner “Sweet Briar” of Corduroy [sic] River, is in the ice; also another schooner unknown and a steamer, supposed to be the “Mastiff.” He heard incessant firing all day outside of the steamer and thinks the “Mastiff” must have got a number of seals. No ice is visible about here today but an immense body of heavy ice is off Scatterie and to the northward leaving no means of access by vessels to the C.B. railway terminus, whilst poor despised Louisburg has been accessible all winter. (MH 23/04/1887 p3 #2)
Apr 23 Canso, sailed, schr “Paragon” to wreck of schr “Willie A,” at Peas Island, but returned on account of ice. (MH 25/04/1887 p3 #4)
Apr 23 Halifax, the tern schooner “Minnie Louise” from St. John’s, Nfld, for Sydney, arrived here on the 23rd. Reports met heavy body of ice between Missaine Bank and Banquero, extending west as far as Beaver harbor. Getting north of it he found the coast all clear to Canso, where he met it again coming down Chedabucto bay, and was forced to take shelter in Canso. (MH 26/04/1887 p2 #2)
Apr 25 SS “Nova Scotian” 44°08’N 61°47’W field ice. (MWR)
Apr 25 Brig “Edith” from Shoreham for PEI put into Torbay on account of the ice. She was only 12 days from the Isle of Wight to Scatary Is., where she encountered ice yesterday week. A heavy body of ice is now moving off the coast in shore. (NYMR)
Apr 25 Guysboro, the schooners “Lord Eldon” and “Amos B,” which sailed from here on Saturday, 23rd, for Halifax, returned today and reported the coast blocked with ice; also a heavy sea and thick fog preventing them proceeding on voyage. (MH 26/04/1887 p2 #2)
Apr 25 Halifax, arrived, steamer “Leo” from Philadelphia, bound to Sydney, CB., put in on account of ice. Barqt “Laura” Otter, Liverpool, GB, of and bound to Pictou, could not get to destination on account of ice. (MH 26/04/1887 p3 #4)
Apr 25 The “Princess” did not leave for Pictou today owing to the ice. (Pat 25 Apr p3#1)
Apr 26 Bark “Joe Read” caught in the ice off Canso and carried onto reef and lost. (NYMR)
Apr 26 Sydney harbor is free of ice, but inaccessible to vessels on account of heavy ice blockade outside North Sydney. The present wind is packing on shore. Report of the “St. Pierre.” The steamer “St. Pierre” arrived yesterday from St. Pierre, Miquelon. The captain makes the following report: “Left St. Pierre on Saturday April 23rd at 9 a.m. Had a pleasant run across the gulf, weather fine, but overcast during the day. At midnight when 30 miles south of Scaterie in dense fog, encountered ice. Stopped and lay to till 4 a.m., the 24th. Fog lifting somewhat proceeded to the westward. Got as far as Santesprit, when we found that we were embayed in the ice. Turned and had to steam back 30 miles to get around the southern tongue of the ice. Weather still foggy. After turning we steamed to the westward, seeing nothing in the fog, until off Canso at 9 p.m., light bearing north, distant 40 miles, when we were again stopped by the ice. Weather very dark with rain and fog. After trying to get a passage to the south, and steaming back 114 miles to the east and still beset with ice, stopped to await daylight. At 4 a.m. on the 25th, weather clearing somewhat, found a passage on the north side of the ice and steamed to the westward. At 7 a.m. fog again shut down dense. Immediately afterward encountered more ice. Worked to the southward through heavy but loose ice. At 2 p.m. the fog lifting we sighted clear water about 5 miles to the south. Clearing that we again steamed westward, thinking that we had cleared the pack. At 3 p.m. it was again dense fog, with a fresh westerly breeze. At 4 p.m. weather cleared, when we sighted the ice along the coast to the north of us, and at 7 p.m. found that we were again embayed, Beaver Island light bearing NNW 35 miles. Turned and steamed 10 miles to the eastward, then turned and steamed south through the tail of the ice. It was five miles broad. At 9:30 p.m. again turned to the westward along the edge of the ice. At midnight passed a large steamer apparently waiting for daylight. Arrived in Halifax at 10 a.m. this morning. All well. Saw a few seals, young and old, on the ice. The ice is coming to the westward in three fishhook-shaped packs, with the long end resting on the land, point outward. The back of the westermost ice must be up with Egg Island, and if this wind continues for 24 hours, we will probably have an ice blockade. (MH 27/04/1887 p3#4)
Apr 26 Louisburg: There is a heavy body of ice off shore, steadily nearing westerly, through prevailing east winds. (MH 26/04/1887 p3 #1)
Apr 26 Halifax, arrived, Brigt “Glenarchy,” Boston, bound to Sydney. Met ice off Liscomb and put back. (MH 27/04/1887 p3 #5)
Apr 26 Dismasted in the Ice: an unknown Vessel of Guyon Island. The “Mary J. Fraser”, damaged. Other Reports: North Sydney, May 2 , the barque “Mary J. Baker,” of Yarmouth, twenty-six days from Barbados, reports experienced heavy weather on the coast on the 26th April. Got into a heavy jam of ice off Flint Island: damaged stern and chaffed ship badly. Saw ship and steamers twenty miles off Scattarie on the twenty-ninth. (MH 03/05/1887 p3 #4)
Apr 27 Brig “Edith” (Br.), McRae, for Shoreham, E, from Charlottetown, PEI, put into Torbay Apr 25, on account of the ice. She was only 12 days from Isle of Wight to Scatary Island, where she encountered ice yesterday week. A heavy body of ice is moving off the coast close in shore. (NYMR, p. 2, col. 3)
Apr 27 Port Hawkesbury, the barque “Joe Read” of Charlottetown, left Bordeaux, 20th March in ballast, for Summerside, PEI. The captain states that he was only ten days to the Grand banks, but then nine days on the south banks with barometer 27.60. He never saw it lower in the Atlantic. He encountered gales from the northwest and west during the whole nine days. He got no observation till making Canso light on Monday night. He tried to come in the Strait of Canso on Tuesday morning, but found the ice too heavy and turned to go back at 11 a.m. but got imbedded in heavy ice and could not move. A heavy gale coming on in the meantime, the ship was carried on to Canso reef at 10 p.m. last night and in fifteen minutes had seven feet of water in her hold. He got out boats immediately and abandoned the ship. The vessel surged over the reef into deeper water and sank. The crew lost clothing and everything else, the captain only saving the barometer. Ten men, all told, were saved. They hauled their boat on the ice and remained on the clamper all night, till daylight when they sighted a schooner this morning and pulled for her, found her to be the schooner “Fred L. Webb” from Newfoundland for Prince Edward Island. She took them all on board, treated kindly and brought them to Hawkesbury, arriving about 8 p.m. (MH 28/04/1887 p3 #2)
Apr 27 Guysboro, bay and harbor clear of ice. Port Mulgrave, Strait clear of ice. (MH 28/04/1887 p3 #5)
Apr 29 Bark “Finn” at Halifax from Tuborg unable to reach Sheet Harbour, NS on account of the ice, having passed 200m of it; badly chafed and stem split. (NYMR)
Apr 29 Halifax, Norwegian barque “Finn,” in ballast, bound to Sheet Harbor. Could not get to destination on account of ice. Had stern split, and side badly chafed by ice. (MH 30/04/1887 p3 #4)
Apr 30 Halifax, arrived, Brigt “JLB,” Turks Island, bound to Paspediac. Met heavy ice off Beaver Island and was obliged to return. (MH 02/05/1887 p3 #5)
May Several vessels reporting in NYMR extensive ice in the mouth of the gulf.
May “Heavy ice was encountered .. off Sydney and Cow Bays, and in the Gut of Canso, and a number of vessels were damaged in those localities.” “Compared with the chart for the preceding month, April, … in the vicinity of Cape Breton there was a marked increase in the quantity of field ice.” (MWR May 132.1&2)
May North Sydney, the presence of such enormous quantity of ice on the Cape Breton coast is almost unprecedented at this season of the year. Navigation is usually open the first week in May, and was for a few days this year during which several vessels loaded and sailed for their destinations. The ice again suddenly shut in and has almost completely paralyzed business. The result is to cut off nearly a season; and as 4,000 or 5,000 tons a day ought to be shipped from Cape Breton ports that means a probable decrease of at least 50,000 tons, and maybe as much more in Cape Breton’s coal output this season. It is estimated that a fleet of one hundred steamers and vessels are in and off Cape Breton ports, involving an enormous loss to both shipping owners and shippers, while the coal mines are nearly all idle. Some of the steamers which left Cape Breton ports during the few days navigation was open a fortnight ago, for Montreal, have not been heard of ; while the steamer “Acadian” which left Louisburg on Monday last for Sydney, a distance of less then fifty miles, has not yet arrived. The steamer “ Cacouna,” which loaded on the 9th inst, at the International mine and sailed for Montreal, got entangled in ice immediately after leaving port in which she was blockaded for ten days, and returned to port to-day with her bows smashed. Six steamers arrived to-day, and among other vessels the brigantine “Glenorchy,” from Boston via Halifax, and which has been about three weeks making the voyage from Halifax to this port. (From the Montreal Gazette, 18th.) The first arrival this season with a coal cargo from the lower provinces is the steamship “Brateberg,” which berthed here from Sydney, on Saturday. The “Brateberg” is an iron screw steamship of 915 tons and was employed during the season of 1886 in the coal trade, making eleven or twelve trips to this port with coal cargoes from the lower ports. She has been rechartered for this season’s trade, as has also been one of her sister ships, the “Norona,” now loading at Sydney, for this port, and also to continue in the same trade forth coming season. The “Brateberg,” on leaving Sydney this trip, came through the Straits of Northumberland, and, notwithstanding almost unexampled difficulties arising from the continuous presence of large quantities of field ice and bergs, made her way to Montreal in safety, a fact for which the captain is entitled to some credit, especially when it is considered that several other steamers leaving the same day or previously were at latest report still far down the river below Quebec. (MH 21/05/1887 p3 #1)
May 1 SS “Winnipeg” St. Paul to Cape Race [Ray?] large ice field. (MWR May 132.2)
May 1 SS “Winnipeg” saw a heavy field of ice close at hand being then half way between St. [Paul] and Cape Ray; steamed to the N for 50 miles when an opening was found in a NNW direction, passed through it for a distance of 40 miles with [immen?]se ice extending both north and south. (NYMR 11 May)
May 2 Low Point, CB., barque “Mary I Baker”, Barbados, for Sydney, reports saw a steamer and ship in ice; clear, strong north-east, ice distant, heavy open moving south. A large steamer in ice under sail working for Sydney. (MH 03/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 3 “An immense field of ice, extending as far as the eye could reach, from Cape Ray up to Anticosti; reporting vessel was 10 days passing it and 2 days in it.” (NYMR 11 May)
May 3 North Sydney, CB, the Ship “Hectanooga” arrived last night from St. John, NB. She experienced heavy weather and thick fog. Also fell in with numerous immense fields of drift ice between the western end of Sable Island and Sydney, reaching this port with difficulty with loss of portion of stern and bow damaged. Sighted several vessels in the ice but none disabled. (MH 04/05/1887 p3 #3)
May 3 Halifax: Low Point, CB, ice distant, heavy and open, moving northeast. (MH 04/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 4 Halifax, arrived, Barqt “Dominique,” Philadelphia, bound to Arichat. Got into Isaacs Harbor, but was prevented getting to destination on account of ice. Port Mulgrave, no ice. Low Point, CB, ice distant moving southeast. (MH 05/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 5 Louisburg, CB, Captain Dickson of the schooner “Drucilla,” which arrived here last night, reports the loss of the schooner “Tiber”, which was crushed in the ice in St. Peters Bay and taken to D’Escuse and sold for what she would fetch. A report from Baline this morning says that a number of men landed near there from a two topmast schooner which was in the ice, name unknown. Shortly after they landed they signalled a steamer which was passing by and were taken off by her. Nothing more definite can be learned as the men did not visit any house. The schooner “Laura Bell” sunk this morning off St. Esprit. Crew saved. Cause, running into drift ice. (MH 07/05/1887 p3 #3)
May 5 Halifax: Low Point, CB, ice distant and heavy, moving southeast. (MH 06/05/1887 p3 #6)
May 6 Halifax, arrived, Schr “Dayspring”, St. Peters, CB, left St. Peters Apr 16th for Charlottetown, and got jammed in the ice off Arichat, and in continual jams all the way to Halifax. Had cutwater knocked away, three planks nearly cut through, one plank started, and is leaking 500 strokes per hour. (MH 07/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 6 Low Point, CB, clear and calm, strip of ice about five miles wide extends from Cape North to southward, open inshore; three steamers and three barques outside of ice ; entrance Bras d’Or blocked with ice. (MH 07/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 7 SS “Escalona” arrived Quebec, had great difficulty in getting through a field of ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. She reports 8 barks stuck in the ice. She saw no ice above 53 miles WNW of Bird Rock. (NYMR 11 May)
May 7 SS “Cape of Good Hope” 42°12’N 61°21’W pieces of field ice. (MWR May 132.2)
May 7 Halifax, Low Point, CB, ice distant and scattered, moving southeast; seven barques outside of ice. (MH 09/05/1887 p3#6)
May 8 Collided with an Iceberg. About 10 o’clock last night the British steamer “Paloa,” Captain Jones, of West Hartlepool, from New York May 4th for Sydney, thence Montreal, arrived here, with her plates broken and fore compartment full of water. Captain Jones reports that at six o’clock Sunday morning when off Scattarie, her engines stopped, he struck a sunken iceberg, with a heavy crash, broke two or more of his plates, his forecompartment filled with water, and being unable to make Sydney, which is blockaded with ice, he bore up for Halifax. He saw several steamers and vessels in the ice. He says the whole coast between Scattarie and Flint Island is jammed by heavy field of ice. (MH 10/05/1887 p3 #1)
May 9 Halifax: Low Point, CB, clear cold strong north-east ice, heavy and open inshore, open water outside of ice. (MH 10/05/1887 p3#4)
May 10 Captain Mitchell of the SS “Invermay” arrived at Pictou reports having encountered heavy ice in the Gut of Canso, and was delayed 3 days in the Gut. (MWR May 132.1)
May 10 At Halifax, SS “Paola” from New York to Sydney collided with a sunken iceberg off Scatarie breaking plates in the forecompartment which filled with water. (LL)
May 10 Louisburg, a long strip of ice off shore is packed in heavily north of Scattarie. Three barques and a number of other vessels are off Scattarie in the ice. Moncton, NB, the first steamer from Prince Edward Island arrived at Point du Chene yesterday. Sailing vessels had previously arrived. The schr “Eddy” arrived yesterday from Rustico, reports that on Sunday afternoon spoke the steamer “Beaver” from Pictou to Magdalen Islands. Unable on account of ice to proceed by her usual course east of P. E. Island, the “Beaver” had to come back and passed through Northumberland straits to reach her destination. The “Beaver” was five miles off West Point when met by the “Eddy.” The Straits are clear of ice. (MH 11/05/1887 p3 #3)
May 10 Halifax: Low Point, CB, ice light and open everywhere, moving south very fast. (MH 11/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 11 In this issue, reports of quite a few casualties off the Cape Breton coasts. (NYMR)
May 11 Halifax, Pugwash, arrived 11, barque “Sarah” (Nor), Antwerp; 33 days, reports fine passage, fourteen days to the banks, ice very plenty in the gulf. (MH 12/05/1887 p3 #4)
May 13 SS “Straits of Gibralter” reports a large quantity of field ice was packed about Sydney and Cow Bays and that steamers bound for those places were delayed at Louisburg. (MWR May 132.1)
May 13 Pictou: The “Beaver” arrived this afternoon from the Magdalen Islands. She reports met with a good deal of ice. (MH 13/05/1887 p3 #3)
May 13 Louisburg, the steamer “Acuba,” from Philadelphia for Old Sydney mines for coal, arrived here this afternoon. The captain reports that he steamed yesterday through Scatterie ice to within five miles of Low Point, where he found the ice so completely packed as to render further progress impossible. He then put about for Louisburg. In working through the ice he broke part off one blade of his propeller. Twenty vessels left here this morning for the mines, but had to return on account of ice, some re-entering the port and others going westerly intending to go to Sydney through St. Peter’s canal by the way of the lakes. (MH 14/05/1887 p3 #3)
May 14 Halifax: Low Point, CB, ice heavy and moving southeast. Steamer and two barques in open water outside of ice. (MH 16/05/1887 p3 #4)
May 14 Port Hood, the Gulf, north and west, is full of ice as far as the eye can reach. There are seventeen vessels in the ice about four miles west, off Smith’s Island [Point?]. (From the Charlottetown Daily Patriot.) During the past week some twenty sail of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Magdalen fishermen have arrived at Souris. While off the north side they got jammed in the ice and caught quite a number of seals. (MH 17/05/1887 p3 #4)
May 16 SS “Washington City” 46°09’N 58°48’W large quantities of floating ice. (MWR May 132.2)
May 16 Louisburg, the ice is visible, but scattering and light. Sailed this forenoon; steamships “Acadian,” “Acuba” and “Straits of Gibraltar” for Sydney to load coals for Montreal. The first two have been detained here eight days by ice to the northward. (MH 17/05/1887 p3 #4)
May 16 Halifax: Low Point, CB, foggy, light east ice distant heavy and open, moving southeast. (MH 17/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 17 SS “Washington City” 46°05’N 59°10’W vast quantities of field ice. (MWR May 132.2)
May 17 Halifax: Low Point, CB, ice distant, moving southeast. (MH 18/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 18 Halifax: North Sydney, CB, steamship “Hungarian,” coal laden from Little Glace Bay for Montreal collided with ice on the18th damaging her starboard bows arrived here for repairs.
May 19 At Halifax, SS “Castledale” collided with an iceberg off Sydney Harbour breaking in the plates of her fore compartment which immediately filled with water. Returned Sydney for repairs. Another report: starboard bow stove by ice. (LL)
May 19 Low Point, CB, passed steamer “Straits of Canso,” Boston via Louisburg, for Sydney; “Hungarian,” Little Glace Bay for Sydney, bound to Montreal; had bow broken by ice. Dense fog, light east wind, ice distant and scattered. (MH 20/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 20 SS “Washington City” large quantities of floating ice off Cape Breton Coast. (MWR May 133.1)
May 20 Halifax: Low Point, fine and calm, ice scattering. (MH 21/05/1887 p3 #5)
May 21 Halifax: Low Point, CB, clear strong north east wind, ice north; no ice east. (MH 23/05/1887 p3 #6)
May 24 The whole eastern coast of Cape Breton is said to be a solid mass of ice from Canso to Sydney, some of it standing 15 feet out of water. (MH 24/05/1887 p3 #2)
May 25 SS “Washington City large ice fields off Cape Breton Coast. (MWR May 133.1)
May 25 Gulf ice passing through Cabot Strait. (GR p.32)