1830
1830
Shipping intelligence reports ~ 19 March average seal catch of 2000 (per ship). Ship reports no encounter with ice on Banks middle of April. Seems to be a lack of mention of ice. (Newf.).
Mar 9 A brig of to the SE 6th & 7th but in consequence of the quantity of drift ice about the coast was unable to make the harbour. (RG).
Mar 9 Brig “Jane Hutton” in a gale and encumbered by ice surrounding her, driven against the North Head of Bay Bulls and lost. (PL).
Mar 16 The brig turned out to be the “Jane Hatton” [sic]. Her letter bag was sent ashore at Bay Bulls and shortly after she was lost [see PL]. (RG).
Mar 16 Brig “Worcester” 30 days from Lisbon while working out of Petty Harbour and in consequence of being surrounded by some thin ice, drove on the rocks near the North Head and is feared lost. (RG).
Mar 25 Issue: During the latter part of this week a large body of ice made its appearance filling some of the Bays to the northward, giving rise to apprehensions that the whole coast would be visited by it, but driven off by winds the last 2 or 3 days. (PL).
Mar 26? First sealers back with full cargoes; expectations average. (PL).
Mar 28 Issue: about 50 vessels entered. (PL).
(Some issues of RG missing March – April but arrivals seem fairly regular.)
Apr 9 Brig “William & Ann” struck a cake of ice and sunk, crew saved and carried to Quebec, from Newcastle to Pictou.(SCL).
Apr 19 St.John’s: The “Confidence” of St.John’s and 3 other sealing vessels were lost off Petty Harbour previous to the 19th [no mention of ice]. (LL).
May ~3 60m of field ice off Bird Is. (LL).
May 25 The “Percival” from St.John, NB to Plymouth 44N 48W ran into an iceberg receiving considerable damage to her bows. (LL).
Jun 15 Issue: Brig “William and Ann” Mar 20 from Newcastle to Pictou stuck on heavy ice to the eastward of St.John’s Apr 9 and sunk almost immediately. Crew took to the ice and taken off by fishing schooner bound for New York. (RG).
1831
1831
The season so far has been of an unusually mild character; – unprecedented indeed if we except the fine winter of 1831 which alone gives us a parallel for the present. (from Newf 13 Feb 1840) [also echoed in the RG]
The winter, down to the present moment, has been unusually mild. We have experienced no such weather on this island at this season of the year since 1831 (from RG 25 Jan 1848).
In RG, there appears to be regulars arrivals throughout March and ice is not mentioned as an impediment to navigation.
The season was stated in St.John’s to be the severest since 1831 and no less than 50 sail of the Colony’s sealers and fishermen were lost in the ice. [The meaning of this sentence is yet clear since the evidence we have so far indicates, if anything, a mild year with less than average ice conditions, though it could refer to an unusually large destruction of vessels of which we yet do not have any clues (but see M9)]. (BL).
[In 1831] the harbour of St.John’s continued ice bound so late as June. (M9).
Jan 23 Last sailing for the UK from this port for the season. (Newf.)
Mar 17 Issue: The “Rachel & Ellen” came in yesterday well fished. Left St.John’s Mar 2 and fell in with ice near Strait of Belle Isle 5 days later. This is the earliest arrival from the ice than ever occurred in the trade. (Newf.).
Mar 18 Schooner “Rachel & Ellen” left St.John’s on the 2nd. instant and met with ice near the Strait of Belle Isle. Returned with 3,000 – 4,000 seals Mar 16. (PL).
Mar 29 Seal fishery seems encouraging, though some vessels rumoured having to go onto ports to the northward for repair, including schooner “True Blue”. (RG).
Apr 12 Issue: about 20 vessels entered. (PL).
Apr 14 Despite initial prospects catch is not as well as anticipated and less than last year. (Newf.).
May 30 “Great Western” 4830’N 47W approximately, bergs. (WCRM).
Aug 17 Capt. Couthouy [Conthony -M9] 3620’N 6745’W upon the southern edge of the Gulf Stream fell in with several small icebergs, probably the remnants of a larger one. (WCR).
No mention of ice off Newfoundland in LL.
1832
1832
The ice was off St. John’s in a large body filling the harbour, May 31, June 26, until July 3 or 4. ( GR).
Extraordinary weather ‘the oldest inhabitant’ ransacks his memory in vain but for year 1832 when the ice held defiant possession of our harbour the last days of June (NE to SE winds.) (from Newfoundlander 11 June 1863)
Seems to be fairly regular arrivals mentioned in the RG with no mention of ice until May.
Of Ferryland: …”In the year of 1832 the winter was so mild that the harbour was not frozen over for the winter…”. (John White in GR).
March 4410’N 4800’W to 4330’N 4930’W ice fields. (WCRM).
Mar 2 The first sealer “Rachel & Ellen” left though the navigation of the harbour was almost completely obstructed by ice. (Newf.).
Mar 5 Start ice cutting out schooners, new and old ice around; 6 & 7th, many vessels leave; 25th, vessel back from the ice being stove in on the 14th; Apr 4, a schooner arrived in leaky condition; 18th, a St. John’s sealer lost in the ice off Cape Bonavista. Drift ice around the end of May [at least]. Sealing seems OK, some not so good. A quantity of drift ice in sight mid-June – arrival from Harbour Grace where she had been detained by ice 6 weeks. (#236).
Mar 13 Brigs and schooners arriving from New York and Halifax. (Newf.).
Mar 24 “Manchester” 44N 49W passed a number of icebergs. (LL).
Apr 2 Jersey Harbour, Newfoundland: The “Amy” of Poole from St. Andrew’s, NB to Trinity is on shore at Danzic Cove. She had been 15 days in the ice [later abandoned and crew proceeded to St. John’s]. (LL).
Apr 3 Issue: Several arrivals from the ice from the southward and eastward in which direction the ice appears to have drifted in large masses and where the seals appear to be in tolerable abundance. (PL).
Apr 23 Ship “Canada”, from Greenock, abreast of Cape Ray, through ice on the 28th and arrived Quebec May 6. (#575).
Apr 26 The “Shannon” from Hull to Davies Strait struck a berg 58N 42W; crew taken off. ( LL).
May 1 Issue: about 20 vessels entered. (PL).
May 5 Brig “Ann Maria” from London to Quebec was totally lost in the ice at Breton – crew saved. (SCL).
May 12 Schooner bound for Harbour Grace stove by ice and crew ran her ashore at Bellisle Beach. (Newf.).
May 15 Issue: Ice extends in one unbroken barrier from north to south as far as the eye can extend and is still impelled by easterly winds. One coaster stove in trying to get into the Bay. ( PL).
May 15 No arrivals of late due to the large quantities of ice on the coast by the north-easterly winds. (RG).
May 15 Quebec: Vessels arriving are badly worn by ice. (LL).
May 17 (Seems to have been regular arrivals from UK etc for most of the winter but now): We are without advices from Great Britain for nearly 3 weeks, the NE winds have surrounded the coast with immense impenetrable fields of ice as far as the eye can reach. Some vessels into Bay Bulls and Southern Shore. (Newf.).
May 21 “Three Sisters”, Captain Grandy (!), from Waterford to St. John’s arrived Bay Bulls and is detained there with several other vessels by the ice. Was 12 days in the ice. (Newf.).
May 22 Issue: The prevalence of northeasterly winds still keeps the ice on the coasts preventing ingress and egress of shipping. (PL).
May 22 At no time during the winter was the navigation of this coast so much obstructed as has been the case during the last week or two. (RG).
May 25 Issue: Snow and northeast winds and ice. Sealing marginally better than last year. (PL).
May 27 Brig “Claremont” from Liverpool Apr 30 to Brigus met with no ice until this morning when hit it and was totally lost off Cape St. Francis. (Newf.).
May 28 “Birmingham” 41N 4730’W bergs. (WCRM).
May 29 The drift ice which continues to beset the harbour still prevents the arrival and departure of shipping. (RG).
May 29 Halifax: The “Anna Maria” from London to Quebec struck on an iceberg in Indian Bay and sunk; crew saved. (LL).
May 31 Southerly breeze opening ice, 24 sail trying to get in. (Newf.)
Jun 1 Issue: Ice, so very unusual about our coasts at this time of year now scattered and little impediment to vessels. (PL).
Jun 5 Ship “Queen Adelaide” from Liverpool ran foul of an island of ice 4350’N 4630’W and lost jib and flying jib booms. (SCL).
Jun 5 Partial clearing of ice during last week and a great number of vessels arrived. The brig “Cousins” from Bristol to St. John’s has been lost near Cape St. Francis having been stove by some of the heavy floes of ice which have so long abounded upon this coast. (RG).
Jun 9 St. John’s: The ice has gone out of our harbour but is still in all our Bays Northward, preventing the vessels bound there from proceeding. (LL).
Jun 25 … the “Elizabeth” from St. John’s, by her we heard that the schooners had done little to the ice this spring and that there was no vessel arrived from England when she left 8 days ago. Apparently a cold winter at Battle Harbour and a lot of ice around till mid-July at least. Jun 28 The “William” of Shields struck a berg in the night, lost her masts and rudder, became water-logged and went down. Crew took to the boats and were picked up on the 30th in 47N 47W by the “Argo” for Sligo from Quebec. (LL).
Jul 6 Mission ship “Harmony” fell in with ice about 5 weeks after leaving London reaching Hopedale 24th. Ice more continuous and alarming since 1817. Ship generally takes a northern route from Stromness, Orkney. (EW).
Jul 13 “Aquatic” from Liverpool to Quebec making the nearest port having been in the ice 5 weeks, spoken to in 47N 60W. (LL).
1833
1833
Of Ferryland: … “… but in 1833, harbours all along the shore were frozen and drift ice was here until 19th of June, and on the 20th it disappeared for the summer. (John White in GR).
A great many [vessels] driven a long way off and did very badly. Many lost. (summary of annual seal fishery RG 24 Apr 1849).
Jan 25 “Favorite” from Newfoundland to Bilboa 49N 43W had been 5 days in the ice; spoken to by the “Dolphin”.(LL).
Jan 29 Sailed from Halifax, the “Calypso”, Packet and other vessels, it is feared came into contact with ice. (LL).
Feb 21 Ice in Trinity Harbour [and to the NE ?]; Mar 8, sealing schooners left; 9th, the bight full of slob and drift ice; Apr 8, news from New Perlican of sealers in – all well fished; May 3, drift ice in harbour. (#236).
Feb 26 It appears that the “Emulous” packet met with much field ice on the coast of Nova Scotia; and in 43N, 49W surprised by falling in with a large quantity of strongly packed ice which reduced the vessel’s way to 6½ and 7 knots from 9 knots. On Mar 4 fell in with 3 bergs of large dimensions in a run of 95m and at 9 the same evening passed the easternmost of these. LL states 2 & 2½ knots and a run of 25m..
Mar 21 Brigantine “Maria” from Plymouth to St. John’s out 65 days was driven ashore by ice at Biscay Bay near Trepassey. (Appears to be regular arrivals at St. John’s throughout the winter.) (Newf.).
Apr 2 “Henry Clay” from New York to Liverpool 42N a quantity of field ice. (LL).
Apr 9 St. John’s: “Monico” in going out of this harbour struck against the ice and having stove her bows, was obliged to discharge her cargo, but is reloaded. (LL).
Apr 17 4230’N 48W bergs. (WCRM).
Apr 20 Ship “Crown” was sunk [28th -LL, from London to Quebec] by the ice on the Grand Banks. Crew taken to Quebec. (SCL).
Apr 25 Brig “Cherokee” from Boston to Newfoundland put into Halifax unable to reach her port of destination due to ice.(SCL).
Apr 30 No mention of ice so far in RG and appears to be irregular arrivals over the months. A bad gale on the 23 destroyed about 6 or 7 named vessels but again ice is not mentioned. (RG).
Apr 30 From St. John’s, particulars of 8 sealing vessels lost plus 1 other during “the late boisterous weather”, but ice does not seem to have played a part. (LL).
May — Ship “Wellington” of Blyth for Quebec was lost in the ice. Crew saved. [cf May 10 and 23]. (SCL).
May 8 The seal fishery of 1833 will, we have no doubt, be noted in the annals of Newfoundland, for the unprecedented number of vessels lost, and damaged pursuing it. [mentions several vessels but no particulars]. (CSCB).
May 9 Ship “Harvest Home” of Newcastle for Mirimachi was stove by ice in 4650’N 47W. Crew picked up by brigs “Gypsey” and “Lima”. (Newf.).
May 10 Brig “Martha” from Liverpool for St. John’s struck ice ~150m from land and the crew took to their boats. (PL).
May 10 “Margaret Ritchie” from Ardrossan for Quebec lost in the ice on the Banks of Newfoundland [LL- struck a piece of ice 9th, 46N 45W]. Crew taken to Quebec. (SCL).
May 10 Brig “Wellington” from Newcastle to Quebec lost in the ice. Crew taken to Quebec. (SCL).
May 11 Barque “Ranger” sunk by ice in the mouth of the St. Lawrence. (SCL).
May 11 “Lima” sailed from Newfoundland and on 13th in 4620’N 4550’W when about 400m from Newfoundland, being completely surrounded by ice heard a gun fired and descried a boat containing survivors of the “Harvest Home”, stove by a piece of ice on May 9. (BA2).
May 14 Brig “Waterloo” from Newcastle lost in the ice on the Banks of Newfoundland. Crew taken to Quebec. (SCL).
May 16 “Madeira” from Greenock reports having seen, about a fortnight ago, two copper bottomed vessels wrecked and lying in the ice near its outer edge between 200 and 300m off. One appeared to be a ship, the other a brig or large schooner. (Newf.).
May 16 From PEI: “Julia” from Sunderland to Quebec struck a piece of ice which stove in the bow port and was abandoned. Crew arrived PEI by the “Breakwater” from Plymouth. (LL).
May 19 A schooner [“Sylph” -RG] from Liverpool for Carbonear was lost near that place [struck a piece of ice 4m off – CSCB] having been stove by ice. (Newf.).
May 20 Ship “Raiks” [“Raikes” – SCL, CSCB], 34 days out from Liverpool for Harbour Grace was lost in the ice 3m east of Cape St. Francis. (Newf.).
May 20 Issue: “Sir J. Beresford” arrived at Liverpool from Quebec, sailed Apr 24, met no obstruction from ice either in the River or Gulf, but out of the Gulf was 5 days in the ice driving 120m. On May 5, not 1 vessel in the Gulf. (LL). May 21 Description of the loss of the “Lady of the Lake” from Belfast to Quebec with 231 souls on board, met a large field of ice 250m E of Cape St. Francis in the morning of May 10. Pushed into the ice 3 hours and turned around in thickening ice, nearing the edge when starboard bow pierced in and in 20 minutes went down. Crew took to 2 boats, one headed NW towards land, the other south. The latter fell in with the abandoned “Harvest Home” and some stayed with her, the split crew of that small boat finally being rescued by the “Gypsey” and “Messenger”. The other small boat after being in the thick ice 3 days and 3 nights eventually turned SE and was also picked up by the “Messenger”. A total of 197 persons lost. [WCR has plotted this on his map as lost in about 4630’N 48W with no year given.] M9 states – only Captain and 14 others survived..
May 23 Issue: Ship “Wellington” of Blythe for Quebec was wrecked in the ice on the Banks of Newfoundland, a short time since. Crew saved by the brig “Shannon”. (Newf.).
May 23 The crew from the brig “Hero”, of Workington for Quebec, arrived St. John’s having struck a piece of ice in 4630’W on the 15th; had to abandon and were lifted by the “Agenoria”.
May 28 Brig “Martha” from Liverpool to St. John’s was stove in the ice on the 18th and shortly after went down. Crew of 11 were in the ice and ocean in their long boat for 15 days before reaching here 25th. (RG).
Jun — 4215’N 46W a berg. (WCRM).
Jun 3 “Deux Amis” from New York to Havre fell in with enormous icebergs near the Banks of Newfoundland. (LL).
Jun 5 Issue: Brigs “Catherine” and “Margaret” lost in presumably Gulf ice. (SCL).
Jun 10 From Mitford: The “Prince Regent” from Miramichi, May 12, passed large fields of ice and icebergs, one she struck, and was surrounded and enclosed in ice for 2 days. (LL).
Jun 11 Issue: Brief description of the loss of the “Lady of the Lake” in ice prior to May 13, ~400m from Newfoundland. (LL).
Jun 11 The “Francis and Mary” struck a berg on the Banks and having become dismasted and water-logged was abandoned. The master and part of her crew arrived Cork. (LL).
Jun 14-15 “Christian” from Jamaica to Greenock fell in with a number of ice bergs in 43N to 44N and 50W to 48W. (LL).
Jun 17 4230’N 4815’W to about 10m north – ice edge. (WCRM).
Jun 18 From St. John’s: The “Gleaner” from Greenock to King’s Cove stuck an iceberg on the Banks and almost immediately sunk. Crew saved and taken to Sydney, CB. (LL).
Jun 24 42N 4930’W running N to 4415’N ice edge (assume it is this year). (WCRM).
— 10 4330’N 49W to 4430’N 4830’W ice edge (no month). (WCRM).
Jun 26 Issue: “Isabella”, spoken with, from Cadiz to Newfoundland 46N 74W [!], saw a great number of ice islands.(LL).
Jun 29 Extract of a letter from Capt. Henby of the “British Tar”, arrived off Falmouth from Quebec, dated Jul 31: “Left the Gulf June 29 and came through the straits of Belle Isle in company with the “Thames” of Alloa. On July 3, about 15 miles to the eastward of Belle Isle, found the passage quite blocked up with very heavy fields of ice which obliged us to put back to our anchorage. On the 6th again made the ice and found it more open and came through about 70 miles of it as some of the pieces were a mile in length it must take a considerable time to break it up. On the eastern edge fell in with 9 brigs, a ship and a bark, standing off and on, apparently French vessels, waiting for a passage into the Straits. The icebergs were very numerous and immensely large, as far to the eastward as 48N. (LL).
Jul 2 Account of various shipwrecks including the “Albion” in early May or June. Two vessels lost early May in ice near Miramichi. (RG).
Jul 6 “General Wolf” from Quebec to Plymouth struck an island of ice in 46N 48W and almost became water-logged. Crew picked up next day by “Earl Dalhousie”, Montreal to Greenock. (LL).
Aug — 4430’N 3850’W an iceberg 100′ high. (WCRM).
Aug — “Ada” 4615’N 48W berg. (WCRM).
1834
1834
Seems to be regular arrivals in RG and no mention of ice.
Generally bad (summary of annual seal fishery RG 24 Apr 1849).
Feb 6 Brigantine “Sophie” lying in the ice near the Narrows outward bound for Liverpool discovered to be on fire. (PL).
Feb 22 “Frances Russell” from Newfoundland to Demerara sustained considerable damage and loss of sails and throwing part of her cargo overboard, having fallen in with a quantity of drift ice on the coast of Newfoundland [later experienced heavy weather]. (LL).
Feb 23 Brig “Ottason” [“Ottoman”] from Palermo to Boston was several hours among islands of ice [and fields of ice – LL] on the edge of the Grand Banks in 4310’N 5110’W. This is much earlier than usual. (SCL).
Feb 26 Ship “Louvre” from Havre 4550’N 49W, 3 am ran into a large field of ice, at daylight found the ice a solid mass to westward as far as could be seen from the masthead; got through and steered SSW. Mar 1, 43N 50W at midnight discerned a tremendous island of ice directly ahead 200 – 300′ high above the water. Mar 6, 45N 5430’W while standing to the north fell in with a field of ice which extended from NE to NNW as far as could be seen. Advise all vessels bound to Europe not to cross the Banks north of 42N. Ice is 2 months earlier than usual. (SCL).
Feb 26 “Louvre?” 46N 49W to 4530’N 4930’W field ice edge; 4530’N 48W berg & 4510’N 49W berg (same ship ?). (WCRM).
Mar — 4340’N 4515’W large ice islands. (WCRM).
Mar 5 Sealing schooners leave from Trinity. Apr 15, drift ice observed from Rider’s (?) Hill to be about a mile distant from Horse Chops extending across bay to Baccalao; May 11, drift ice out of harbour. (#236).
Mar 16 Field ice 4510’N 5550’W to 45N 5530’W to 4545’N 5445’W. (WCRM).
Mar 24 Issue: The “Norval” from Lisbon out 38 days for this port put into Halifax for repair having received considerable damage by ice. (Newf.).
Mar 29 Schooner “Billow” of St.John’s was lost in the ice, crew saved. (LL).
Mar 30 Schooner “Julia” of Harbour Grace was lost in the ice, crew saved. (LL).
Apr 6 “Margaret & Helen” arrived from the ice with ~5000 seals; a favourable spring anticipated. (PL).
Apr 13 “Isabella” from Clyde to Savannah passed several ice bergs. Position on the 14th was 41N 43W. (LL).
Apr 15 A vessel at 4430’N 48W gives no mention of ice. (Newf.).
Apr 15 “Shamrock” abandoned in sinking state on the Banks owing to damage received in the ice. (Newf.)
Apr 18 Schooner “Creole” jammed in the ice in 4737’N and about 180m from land; was damaged by detonation of a barrel of gunpowder standing in the cabin. Returned with 2,500 seals. ( PL).
Apr 23 The “Margaret” of Brigus ran upon an island pan of ice about 60m E by N of Bonavista Cape and eventually lost with 1300 seals. (Newf.)
Apr 23 Brig “Robert William Harris” from Liverpool to Quebec struck a piece of ice 4756’N 50W and sunk in 20 minutes. Crew taken to Quebec. (SCL).
Apr 23 Issue comments on poor seal fishery. (RG).
Apr 28 From St.John’s: The accounts of the seal fishery are very unfavourable and several vessels are lost. (LL).
May 6 Issue: Owing to the prevalence of easterly winds, our harbour is again blocked up with ice so as to prevent the ingress and egress of any burthen. All communication with the outports of the Island are necessarily much impeded. (PL).
May 7 “Rebecca” from London to Quebec was lost in the ice near the Green Bank, crew saved. (LL).
May 8 “Economy” from Liverpool to Harbour Grace at about 6 leagues distance from St.John’s struck a piece of ice and severely damaged. Assisted by the “Grace”. (Newf.)
May 8 The brig “Agenoria” foundered about 7 leagues off Cape Spear owing to the damage received in the ice – Newfoundlander. (among some loose ice 5-6 leagues from Cape Spear and endeavouring to extricate herself got bows stove by a piece of ice and sank in about 10 minutes) – crew on ice 3 days and 2 nights. (PL).
May 13 Brig “Maria” struck a piece of ice about midway between Baccalieu and Trinity harbour and sunk in about 20 minutes. (from Hamburgh to Trinity) (PL).
May 15 Brigantine “Favourite” from London and Poole for St.John’s encountered the ice near St.Shott’s and was totally lost after drifting on the rocks near that place. (PL).
Jun — ice field from 4815’N 4515’W to 20m SW. (WCRM).
Jul 1,7 “Francis” 4450’N 5030’W bergs. (WCRM).
1835
1835
No mention of ice in RG
Feb 6 Schooner “George” from St. John’s arrived Cove of Cork in distress having sustained damage in the ice and went ashore high up. (SCL).
Feb 21 From St. John’s: The “Caledonia”, “Borealis”, and “Elizabeth” intended sailing today, but are prevented by the ice. (LL).
Mar 5 Sealers sailed from Trinity heading north. manuscript generally too difficult reading to make out in much detail..
Mar 18 This harbour and many other harbours were free of ice until after the beginning of March. Wind changed and harbour filled u[ freezing in 37 schooners (about one third of those fitted out here). Got out later. (CSCB).
Apr 2 Brigantine “Charlotte” arrived from the ice with 4,500 seals. (PL).
Apr 7 3 or 4 arrivals from the ice … anticipation of an extraordinary average catch. (PL).
May 6 “Beaufort” arrived at Quebec, saw 7 vessels detained in the ice 40m SSE of Cape Ray. ( LL).
May 17 “George and Mary” abandoned in the ice off St. Paul’s Is., crew saved. (LL).
May 26 Barque “Doncaster” struck by the ice off Cape North and foundered, also next item with no date (Jun 20 issue): Brig “John and Mary” was lost in the ice between St. Paul’s and Cape Breton. (SCL).
Aug 14 4620’N 44W a large island. (WCRM).
1836
1836
No mention of ice in RG.
Many damaged, many lost and many lives lost; bad voyages generally (summary of annual seal fishery RG 24 Apr 1849).
Jan 14 (“Cove” sighted 2 very large icebergs in 61N 6W, never before had ice been seen so near the British Isles). 6055’N 550’W – JH.
Apr 5 Ship “United States” from Liverpool to Philadelphia came into contact with an island of ice and lost foremast and bowsprit. No location, but was spoken to May 2 in 4044’N 64W. [also spoken to on Apr 14, 40N 47W by the “Old Colony” of Devon – LL]. (SCL).
Apr 7 Ship “Eli Whitney” ~4441’N 4706’W passed a small ice island (berg?), considerable quantities of ice, and finally saw a large field of ice ahead extending to the north and south as far as the eye could see. After entering a cables length reversed course and hauled off to the SE. 8th, stood SE till 5am then tacked westwards, noon position by observation 4435’N 4656’W; 9th, wore to SE then tacked westwards, 3 large islands of ice (bergs?) in sight, observation 4417’N 4750’W; 10th, passed 6 large ice islands, observation 4309’N 4855’W; 11th, passed 4 large islands of ice this day, noon observation 43N 5036’W. (WCR).
Apr 9 Brig “Apollo” from Lisbon spoke the ship “Lockwoode” of St. John, NB on the 9th April from St. John’s bound for Liverpool in lat 4650′, lon 216.25 (!) clear of the ice, having been in it 5 days and desired to be reported. (PL).
Apr 11 The “Grog” from Cadiz to Arichat 47N 45W ran into the ice and in wearing struck an ice berg, carried away her bowsprit, cat-head, etc and was obliged to employ spare spars as fenders. (LL).
Apr 14 From St. John’s: The following sealers are lost: “Avon”, “Fancy Jane”, “Babe” of St. John’s, “Fanny” and “Tom Cod” of Carbonear. (LL).
Apr 30 4320’N 5015’W bergs. (WCRM).
May 9 “Arve” from Bordeaux met a great quantity of ice between St. Paul’s Is. and Bird Rocks. ( LL).
May 11 (March missing) Though some good voyages the average not very prolific. The weather is reported as being tempestuous and the ice large and open giving them enough to do to help keep clear of the immense bergs which surrounded them in every direction. What is termed field ice was rarely to be met with (from Patriot May 3). (CSCB).
May 21-22 “Ann” experienced a heavy gale and twice fell in with ice. Where ?.
Jun 2 From St. John’s: “Young Edward”, sealer, lost in the ice at Newfoundland. (LL).
Jun 12 Brig “Planet” struck an island of ice [43N 61W – LL] which stove in her bow etc., arrived Halifax 15th. (SCL).
Jun 24 Mission ship “Harmony” fell in with ice after a speedy and prosperous voyage to within 200m of the Labrador Coast. Immense quantity of ice and also encounters with ‘bottom ice’ [anchor ice]. Reached Hopedale Aug 4. (EW).
Jul 7 H.M. packet “Express” on the southern edge of the Sable Bank, about 75m SW from Sable Island 2 bergs, one 180′ high in 4314’N 6117’W and the other, 150′ high, in 4309’N 6126’W. (WCR).
Aug 2 Ship “Byrom” [sic] from Liverpool to New York was suddenly struck by an immense iceberg estimated at more than 100′ high near the edge of the Grand Banks in 4422’N 4840’W. The bowsprit was carried away and the stem was pressed down by an overhanging piece of ice. Vessel righted later on and next day 3 other mountains of ice were seen. (BA2).
1837
1837
Sealing vessels jammed up in the bays, many lost and many lives lost (from article in PL 1849 April 27). [Echoed in a summary of annual seal fishery RG 24 Apr 1849 with the additional comment of first (vessel in Apr 3; afterwards all bad].
Mar ? The brig “Leah” from Falmouth was lost in the ice in the latter part of March. The crew was saved by a vessel bound for Boston and she herself damaged by contact with the ice. According to SCL “Leah” bound for St.John’s was abandoned in sinking condition 40N 52W on Apr 2..
Mar 14 From the prevalence of northerly and easterly winds lately the harbour is beset with drift ice detaining the sealing fleet. (RG).
Mar 16 The sealing fleet put to sea having been detained for several days by ice in the offing and contrary winds. (Newf.).
Mar 20 “Lapwing” Packet for Falmouth 44N 50W large quantities of drift ice and fields extending for at least 20m were passed. (LL).
Mar 23 During the last 3 days the port has been blocked up with drift ice preventing the arrival of vessels. (Newf.).
Mar 25 The “Hope” from Liverpool to St.John’s struck an ice island and foundered; the crew was picked up on the 28th in 46N 51W by the “Mary Ann”, from Hambro. (LL).
Mar 28 Strong north and north-easterly winds. Coast is beset with ice and several vessels from foreign ports have been seen in the drift ice. “Caroline” and “Elizabeth” in danger in ice off Cape St.Francis. (RG).
Mar 28 From St.John’s: The coast has been encircled by ice for upwards of a month [followed by story of the “Caroline” and “Elizabeth”]. “Mary” from Cadiz for St.John’s put into Carbonear with damage and the “Hazard” from Liverpool to Carbonear, after having been repaired, remains here, ice-bound. (LL).
Mar~28 Brig “Caroline” arrived (cf below), which was jammed in the ice off Pouch Cove last week. (PL).
Mar 30 The prevalence of N and NE winds since our last has kept the coast completely ice bound. [also story on the “Caroline” (see PL)]. Mention of the brig “Mary” from Cadiz which was in company with the “Elizabeth” and “Caroline” about a week before succeeding in reaching Carbonear with some damage. (Newf.).
Mar 31 Brigs “Caroline” and “Elizabeth” in the ice off Pouch Cove. (PL).
Apr 1 Very heavy seas, Carbonear full of ice at the time. (CSCB).
Apr 2 The brig “Dingwell” had to return from seal hunt with serious damage. Also, the “Cove” hence for Liverpool, became water logged from injury received in the ice 2 days after she left this early in February last (!) – crew taken off. (Newf.)
Apr 4 Vessels for this port have called into the harbours further south. (RG).
Apr 4 Issue: Two arrivals from the ice Sunday past – the “Dingwall” with her bows stove and 1400 on board and the schooner “Endeavour” with loss of rudder having 230. Accounts highly favourable. (PL).
Apr 7 Issue: Brig “Caroline” which was in a perilous situation in the ice off Pouch Cove has since gone down, crew saved. “Elizabeth” has arrived in port damaged.
Apr 7 From Concepcion Bay: Several vessels have returned to this port, Carbonear, and other harbours in the Bay; 2 or 3 with damage. In consequence of heavy gales from E and ESE a great number of vessels have been driven into Bona Vista, Trinity and other northern bays. The schooner “Kate” was crushed by an island of ice in Bonavista Bay and the “Venus” abandoned, crews saved. The “Unice” was totally lost 2nd inst. in Trinity Bay, crew saved. The “Hermit” ran on the rocks near Grates Cove 1st inst, but got off with little injury and has arrived here. (LL).
Apr 11 Issue: The news from the ice is rather disheartening. There is little reason to doubt that a considerable number of vessels have already been lost in the heavy ice which has been upon the coast – also loss of life. It is believed that the average catch will be far below the usual standard. (PL).
Apr 11 From St.John’s: There is but little reason to doubt that a considerable number of small craft have been lost on the coast. (LL).
Apr 12 Ship “Canada” from Greenock to Quebec 4840’N 4034’W an iceberg; 15th, 4518’N 4815’W an iceberg. (#575).
Apr 13 (from a letter dated Mar 11): “Cove” left St.John’s Feb 15 and a few hours later got surrounded by ice and larboard bow was stove in. Cleared ice on the 18th. Gale blew her on beam ends on the 13th, abandoned on the 26th. (Newf.).
Apr 14 Issue: (3 vessels in at Bay Bulls for destinations further north implies progress blocked by ice.) A wreck (April 8?) of a vessel’s boat with 8 dead men at Renews conjectured to have been from a vessel lost in the ice. (PL).
Apr 16 “Samson” at Plymouth, New York Mar 12, was driven on the Banks of Newfoundland by strong SE winds and in 44N 50W was surrounded by floating ice. (LL).
Apr 18 Issue: The wrecked long boat at Renews believed to be from the brig “Swallow” from Liverpool to St.John’s. (PL).
Apr 21 Issue: Several vessels in from the ice, mostly well fished, not so discouraging as originally thought. (PL).
Apr 25 Reports that many vessels have been lost st the seal fishery. (RG).
Apr 25 (In a letter to Ed.): Brig “Madonna” in scattered ice off Cape Spear. (PL). May — 4140’N 5030′ berg. (WCRM).
May 16 From Quebec: “Chieftain” encountered a large quantity of floating ice in the Gulf. (LL).
May 18 Issue: The brig “Swallow” was from Liverpool to St.John’s. Spoken to on Mar 31 by “Nimrod”. She was then 15 days from Liverpool 2 of which had been in the ice which was very heavy and had sustained no damage until that time. But severe gale came up that night. (Newf.)
May 24 “Swallow” announced as lost in the ice, all hands perished. (SCL).
1838
1838
Mar 11 “Toronto” 4330’N 48W bergs and pack ice? According to LL icebergs were seen on the 81th in 43N 58W on the way from Liverpool to New York !.
Mar 13 Brig “Hebe” at St. Mary’s reports large number of seals when in the ice off Cape Race. (Newf.).
Mar 13 North-easterly winds of late have beset the coast with drift ice and with some exceptions the sealing fleet is confined to port. (RG).
Mar 20 Vessels have been detained for about a fortnight. Shore sealing going on between St. John’s and Cape Spear. (RG).
Mar 20 Issue: Sealing vessels are detained in port by easterly and south-easterly winds, and as far as the eye can extend, no “blue water” is to be seen. Channels have been cut in the ice which has become soft and rotten to the mouth ready to get out. Men on the ice many miles from shore. (PL).
Mar 20 4520’N 52W ice berg 200′ high. (WCRM).
Mar 23 Issue: Vessels out but winds changeable .. many seals on the ice off Cape Race. (PL).
Mar 27 Issue: Schooner “Lark” from the ice with 10,000 seals. Brig “Jane” and schooner “Sally” lost at Catalina. (PL).
Mar 27 Sealers got out on 21st. “Jane” and “Sally” from Trinity forced on shore by ice. (RG).
Mar 27 “Caroline” sailed from Cowes to Quebec. In Gulf, rudder was carried away by ice and foundered off Cape St. Anne. (SCL).
Mar 28 Letters by “Triumvirate” from Poole, which has been forced by ice into St. Mary’s (letters overland). (CSCB).
Apr 2 (From article): “Sarah” left Waterford Feb 28. Fell in with ice Apr 2 in 4730’N 4857’W; 3rd, struck pan of ice which stove in larboard bow and within 10 minutes was hove on her side. Abandoned and burned her at 4730’N 4920’W and endeavoured to get ship’s boat through the ice; 12th, in the morning saw a schooner in the ice 4710’N 5030’W est. and left the ice. At 6pm fell in with a skirt of ice and remained in it all night; 13th, left the ice and rowed 6m and met another skirt and lay until next morning when we saw land bearing NNW 30m and at 5pm landed at Mr. O’Brien’s wharf. (Newf.)
Apr 3 “Hebe” from Lisbon, yesterday brought in the crew of the schooner “Trial” which was wrecked by ice. (RG).
Apr 3 “Sarah” from Waterford to Newfoundland was stove by ice 48N 49W and abandoned. (LL).
May 4 S “Canada” from Greenock to Quebec in ice from ~ 58W, arrived May 7. (#575).
May 13 Brig “Mariana” [“Marina” – LL] from Cardiff for Quebec struck a piece of ice in 4630’N 5920’W and sank in 3/4 hour. (SCL).
May 17 Brig “Sciot” cut through by ice off Whitehead. (SCL).
May 17 Issue: “Trial”, sealer, from St. John’s lost in the ice at Newfoundland. (LL).
Jun 1 “London” from Jamaica 45N 48W passed an iceberg. (LL).
Jun 28 “Sicilian” from St. John’s to Indian Tickle struck ice and sunk ~8m off Venison Tickle, crew saved. (LL).
Jul 3 “Utica” 43N 47W bergs. (WCRM).
Jul — 4545’N 45W bergs. (WCRM).
Jul 29 4530’N 4530’W bergs. (WCRM).
1839
1839
Jan 2 (Bonavista) Harbour full of young ice. Bay alternately full then clear of ice all through January and February. Sealing schooners left early March. (#475).
Feb 8 Issue: The weather for the last few days has been intensely severe and the whole coast so far as the eye can extend from Signal Hill is one mass of impenetrable ice. Light northwest winds for the past days has blocked the coast with ice. (February weather seems to have been very cold). (PL).
Feb 11 “… after the ship was surrounded by light field ice, which appeared similar to a field I ran through on the 11th Feb, 1839.” from letter by Capt Hosken about voyage on “Great Western” in 1841. (WCR).
Feb 14 Issue: The extreme severity of the weather which for the last 10 days has been experienced, has caused the accumulation of vast quantities of ice by which the coast seems now to be completely surrounded – fear for detention of vessels from Britain and in port. (Newf.).
Feb 28 Issue: The ice with which this coast has been for some time surrounded yet remains and has completely suspended all navigation for the present. Ships seen in the ice off Cape Broyle. (However, the “Olinda from Greenock arrived 27th.) (Newf.).
Mar 1-2 Ship “Rhone” from Havre reports the Banks blocked up with ice. Was in the ice on the Banks with the ship “Baltimore” from Havre for New York from the 1st to the 2nd Mar and from the 26th to 28th Feb with the ship “Virginian” from Liverpool to New York. The “Baltimore” arrived Mar 15. (SCL).
Mar 5 Westerly breeze on 2nd somewhat cleared the coast of drift ice which has for some time completely blocked the harbour, allowing sealers to leave and others to get in. (RG).
Mar 13 The schooner “Hope” from Greenspond wrecked in Green Island Tickle. Ice not specifically mentioned but ice was coming in on the 11th and vessel was in dangerous position on the 12th. (#475).
Mar 15 Ice about 3 leagues off the Cape (Bonavista ?); 22nd, Bay full of ice. (#475)
Mar 18 “Samson” from New York to Portsmouth 41N 49W passed several islands of ice. (LL).
Mar 21 Packet ship “Utica” from Havre fell in with large quantities of field and berg ice in 4445’N 48W. Some of the bergs rose more than 100′ above the surface of the water. Arrived New York Apr 3. (SCL).
Mar 24 Packet ship “Westchester” from New York to Liverpool 43N 53W ran foul of an iceberg which carried away her bowsprit, fore rigging and seriously injured her stem. Some cargo jettisoned. (SCL).
Mar 31 Packet ship “Francois 1er” arrived from Havre reports being surrounded by ice 4330’N 4730′-50W with mountains and fields of ice. (SCL).
Apr 4 The “Flora” from Poole to Carbonear arrived St. John’s unable to reach there because of ice. (seems to be fairly regular arrivals thereafter). (Newf.).
Apr 10 News of the “Eclypse” totally lost amongst the ice. (Ice was some way out from Bonavista on the 8th and by mid-April seems to have move out altogether.) (#475).
Apr 16-17 “Independence” from New York to Liverpool 44N 45W passed a large iceberg; 46N 41W passed another. (LL).
Apr 17 Packet ship “Baltimore” from New York to Havre was spoken by ship “Georgiana” in 4330’N 4343’W having been 3 days in the ice, appeared to have sustained no damage. (SCL).
Apr 24 “Tobago” for London became entangled in the ice in the Gulf and was driven ashore on Amity Is. and been condemned. (LL).
Apr 26 Ship “Canada” from Greenock to Quebec entered first ice about 30m from Cape Ray. (#575).
May 8 Issue: Brig “Fenwick Keating” for St. John, NB, struck an iceberg and foundered; crew saved by “Hester” of St. Stephen. (SCL).
May 11 The “Lotus” arrived Quebec, reports the “Thames” and “Lord Goderich” to be in the ice. (LL).
May 12 The “Emerald” from Bedeford to Boston foundered in the ice; crew saved. (LL).
Jun 18 4045’N 4830’W berg 1m long 60′ high. (WCRM).
Jun 18 4050’N 4839’W an iceberg ~1m in length 50′ to 70′ high (from Nautical Magazine Nov 1839) [probably same as WCRM above]. (M9).
Jul 5 “Garrick” from New York to Liverpool 45N 48W saw 2 bergs. (LL).