Jump to content

List of shipwrecks of Canada

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.

This is a list of shipwrecks located in or off the coast of Canada.

The Norwegian steamship Imo (damaged in the Halifax Explosion in 1917)


British Columbia

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
HMCS Annapolis  Royal Canadian Navy 4 April 2015 A decommissioned Annapolis-class destroyer scuttled to form an artificial reef in Halkett Bay Provincial Park off Gambier Island in Howe Sound, British Columbia, Canada. 49°26′57″N 123°19′51″W / 49.44917°N 123.33083°W / 49.44917; -123.33083 (HMCS Annapolis (DDH 265))
Anscomb  Canada January 2003 The ferry was docked at Woodbury marina by the private owner and sunk from a frozen cracked pipe at Woodbury, British Columbia.
Beaver  Canada 25 July 1888 A steamship run aground on rocks at Prospect Point in Vancouver's Stanley Park.
Bonnington  Canada 1960 A steamboat that retired from service and was partially dismantled before sinking off the shore off Beaton.
USAT Brigadier General M. G. Zalinski United States United States Army 26 September 1946 A troopship that struck the rocks and sank off Pitt Island.
HMCS Charlottetown  Royal Canadian Navy 1947 A River-class frigate that was scuttled as a breakwater in Oyster Bay.
HMCS Chaudière  Maritime Command 1992 A Restigouche-class destroyer sunk as an artificial reef in Sechelt Inlet.
City of Ainsworth  Canada 29 November 1898 A paddle steamer sternwheeler sunk during a storm in Kootenay Lake.
Clallam 8 January 1904 A steamboat that sunk in a storm in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
HMCS Columbia  Maritime Command 1996 A Restigouche-class destroyer that was sunk as an artificial reef.
Cowichan  Canada 27 December 1925 A steamship that sank in a collision with Lady Cynthia near the Whyte Rocks.
Eaglescliffe Hall  Canada 25 October 1961 A bulk freighter that served in World War II and later sank while under tow.
Ericsson 22 November 1892 Blown aground at the entrance to Barkley Sound, designed by inventor John Ericsson in 1851
Florence  United States December 1902 A clipper believed to have foundered in a storm off Cape Flattery.
HMS Grappler  Royal Navy 3 May 1883 An Albacore-class gunboat that caught fire and sank in Discovery Passage.
HMCS Huron  Maritime Command 14 May 2007 An Iroquois-class destroyer sunk as a target.
HMCS Mackenzie 16 September 1995 A Mackenzie-class destroyer scuttled as an artificial reef off Sidney. 48°40.094′N 123°17.17′W / 48.668233°N 123.28617°W / 48.668233; -123.28617 (HMCS Mackenzie (DDE 261))
Malahat  Canada March 1944 A schooner and rum-runner during the Prohibition era, that foundered in Barkley Sound and was towed to Powell River.
Mariposa  Canada 18 December 1917 Ran aground in the Salish Sea.
Mount Royal  Canada 6 July 1907 A Canadian sternwheeler sunk in the Skeena River.
Nechacco April 1911 A sternwheeler that broke apart in ice on the Fraser River.
Pacific  Canada 4 November 1875 A sidewheel steamer sunk following a collision with SS Orpheus.
Princess Sophia  Canada 25 October 1918 A steamer that ran aground on Vanderbilt Reef and sank the following day. 58°36′08″N 135°01′25″W / 58.6022°N 135.0236°W / 58.6022; -135.0236 (Princess Sophia (steamer))
Queen of the North  Canada 22 March 2006 A ro-ro ferry run aground on Gil Island in Wright Sound. 53°19.917′N 129°14.729′W / 53.331950°N 129.245483°W / 53.331950; -129.245483 (MV Queen of the North)
Quesnel  Canada 13 May 1921 A sternwheeler that was wrecked on the Fraser River.
San Pedro  Canada 24 November 1891 A 3,119-ton iron steamship built 1882 by William Cramp & Sons, Philadelphia ran aground Brotchie Ledge Victoria, British Columbia[1] 48°24′23″N 123°23′17″W / 48.4065°N 123.3880°W / 48.4065; -123.3880 (SS San Pedro)
HMCS Saskatchewan  Maritime Command 14 June 1997 A Mackenzie-class destroyer scuttled as an artificial reef off Nanaimo.
Sechelt  Canada 24 March 1911 A steamboat that sank off Race Rocks Light.
USS South Dakota  United States Navy 18 February 1961 A Pennsylvania-class armored cruiser that was sold for scrap and sunk in Powell River.
USS Tattnall  United States Navy 1946 A Wickes-class destroyer sunk a breakwater off Royston.
Tonquin  United States June 1811 An American merchant ship blown up at Clayoquot Sound, Vancouver Island.
Valencia  Canada 23 January 1906 A passenger steamer wrecked off the coast of Vancouver Island. 48°42′20″N 125°00′21″W / 48.70556°N 125.00583°W / 48.70556; -125.00583 (SS Valencia)
Vanlene 14 March 1972 A 10,500-ton freighter carrying cars, built in 1951. The ship ran aground near Austin Island in Barkley Sound due to navigation error.[2]

Manitoba

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Alpha  Canada 1885 A riverboat grounded in the Assiniboine River
Graham Bell  Canada 1992 A tugboat grounded near Churchill, Manitoba; Later scuttled 1992 as Canada's first Arctic Underwater Research Station
Ithaka  Greece 14 September 1960 A cargo ship that ran aground near Churchill. 58°46′9″N 93°53′21″W / 58.76917°N 93.88917°W / 58.76917; -93.88917 (SS Ithaka)
Port Nelson  Canada 1924 A large dredge grounded on the abandoned pier at Port Nelson, Manitoba
Princess  Canada 24 August 1906 A steamboat that was wrecked in a storm off George Island.

New Brunswick

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Transpet  Panama 30 October 1951 A tanker that suffered an internal explosion off Miscou Island.
Walton  Canada 14 September 1878 A barque that ran aground in fog off Grand Manan Island.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Abyssinia  Canada 18 December 1891 A steamship destroyed by a fire in the cargo hold.
Administratrix  Canada 1948 A motor vessel that collided with Lovadal in fog near Cape Race.
HMS Aeneas  Royal Navy 23 October 1805 A troopship that ran ashore near the Isle aux Morts with the loss of over 200 lives.
Anglo Saxon  United Kingdom 27 April 1863 A British Allan liner that ran aground off Cape Race, with 237 deaths.
Anton van Driel  Netherlands 1919 A Dutch steamboat that sank near St. Shotts.
Arctic  United States 27 September 1854 A paddle steamer that collided with the steamer Vesta and sank near Cape Race.
Arctic Explorer  Canada 3 July 1981 An icebreaker that sank off the Strait of Belle Isle, three hours after departing St Anthony.
Argo  United Kingdom 28 June 1859 A steamboat that ran aground on a reef at Trepassey Bay.
Azariah 16 March 1831 A sealing ship from Cupids that ran aground on Baccalieu Island.
Belgian  United Kingdom 27 June 1941 A steamboat that was torpedoed by U-96 near the Peckford Reef. 49°30′38″N 53°51′30″W / 49.51056°N 53.85833°W / 49.51056; -53.85833 (SS Belgian)
Bristol City 5 May 1943 A cargo ship that was torpedoed by U-358 east of Newfoundland, Canada. 54°00′N 43°55′W / 54.000°N 43.917°W / 54.000; -43.917 (Bristol City (1920))
Caribou  Newfoundland 14 October 1942 A Newfoundland Railway ferry that was torpedoed by U-69 off Port aux Basques. 47°19′N 59°29′W / 47.317°N 59.483°W / 47.317; -59.483 (SS Caribou)
City of Philadelphia  United Kingdom 9 September 1854 A British steamboat that ran aground and sunk in fog near Cape Race.
HMS Comus  Royal Navy 24 October 1816 A Laurel-class post ship that ran aground and sank in fog off Cape Pine.
HMS Crusader 14 September 1942 A C-class destroyer that was torpedoed by German submarine U-91 off St. John's.
Delmar  United Kingdom 1901 A Scottish steamer that sank near Cape Race in 1901.
HMS Despatch  Royal Navy 10 July 1828 A British brig that sank near Isle aux Morts.
HMS Drake 1822 Ran aground and sank near St. Shotts.
HMS Duchess of Cumberland  Royal Navy 22 September 1781 A sloop that was wrecked near Cape Ray.
Duchess of Fife 1907 A schooner that sank near Bonavista.
Dunbrody 1875 A barque that foundered off the Labrador coast.
Earlshall  Newfoundland 24 January 1915 A Job Bros. & Co iron-hulled barque that ran aground and sank off Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove during a winter storm. No loss of life.
Erik  United Kingdom 25 August 1918 A sealing/whaling steamer that was torpedoed off St. Pierre and Miquelon by U-156.
Ethie  Canada 11 December 1919 A coastal steamship that ran aground in a fierce storm.
Flare  Cyprus 16 January 1998 A bulk carrier that sank in a storm near Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
Florence  United States 9 August 1840 An American brig of 200 tons, out of Rotterdam, that sank in the fog near Cape Race with 50 dead.
Florizel  Newfoundland 23 February 1918 The passenger ship ran aground at Horn Head Point, Cappahayden and was wrecked with the loss of 94 lives 46°50′56″N 52°56′20″W / 46.84889°N 52.93889°W / 46.84889; -52.93889 (SS Florizel)
SS Flynderborg  United Kingdom 3 November 1941 A merchant ship that was torpedoed by U-202 northeast of Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland. 51°21′N 51°45′W / 51.350°N 51.750°W / 51.350; -51.750 (SS Flynderborg)
George Cromwell 1877 A British steamer that sank near Cape Race.
George Washington  United States 1877 An American steamer that sank near Cape Race.
Germania  Germany 1869 A German steamer that sank in fog near Cape Race.
Greenland  Canada 1898 A sealing steamer that lost 48 men on the ice.
Harcourt Kent  Canada 1949 A motor ship that sank near Cape Race.
Harpooner  United Kingdom 1816 A British transport that ran aground and sank in fog near Cape Pine.[3] She was on a voyage from Quebec City, Lower Canada, British North America to an English port.[4]
Harvest Home  United Kingdom 1833 A British ship that sank off Cape Race.
Helgoland  Germany 1900 A German steamer that sank near Cape Race.
Indian  United Kingdom 1859 A British Allan liner that sank off Cape Race.
Kristianiafjord  Norway 15 June 1917 A Norwegian liner that ran aground in fog near Cape Race.
Kyle  Canada 4 February 1967 A troopship that ran aground in Harbour Grace.
Labrador  United Kingdom 3 March 1913 Built for the Hudson Bay Company in 1891 by Watson of Sunderland England, purchased in 1909 by James Baird Ltd. of St. John’s for the seal fishery. Sprang a leak while butting through slob ice in heavy seas. Engineers kept it afloat for 30 hours to reach St. Mary's Bay, where it ran onto rocks at Branch. All crew were saved.
Lady of the Lake 11 May 1833 A Scottish brig sunk near Cape St. Francis. 46°30′N 47°06′W / 46.50°N 47.10°W / 46.50; -47.10 (Lady of the Lake (brig))
Lady Sherbrooke 9 August 1831 A barque that sank in a gale near Port Aux Basques. The ship was wrecked on Mouse Island, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence with the loss of 241 of the 273 people on board. She was on a voyage from Londonderry to Quebec, British North America. Her captain was subsequently found guilty of willfully wrecking the ship and was sentenced to death.[5][6]
Lion 6 January 1882 Reported missing in Baccalieu Tickle.
Lord Strathcona  Canada 5 September 1942 An iron-ore carrier that was torpedoed by U-513 off Bell Island. 47°35′18″N 52°58′10″W / 47.58833°N 52.96944°W / 47.58833; -52.96944 (Lord Strathcona (ship))
Maggie 6 November 1896 A schooner that sank in the St.John's Narrows due to a collision with the Tiber [7]
Marsland  United Kingdom 2 July 1933 An English cargo vessel that ran aground on the Vestal Rocks outside St. John's, Newfoundland.
Marvale  Canada 1923 A Canadian Pacific liner.
Marvita 15 July 1954 A Canadian Customs boat that ran aground and foundered off Cape Ballard.
Ocean Ranger  United States 15 February 1982 A semi-submersible offshore oil drilling unit that sank in a storm off St. John's. 46°43′33.53″N 48°50′9.13″W / 46.7259806°N 48.8358694°W / 46.7259806; -48.8358694 (Ocean Ranger)
Phyllis  Royal Navy October 1795 The ship was wrecked near the Burin Peninsula, with some loss of life.
P.L.M. 27  United Kingdom 26 June 1941 An iron-ore carrier that was torpedoed by U-123 off Bell Island.
USS Pollux  United States Navy 18 February 1942 A supply ship that sank along with USS Truxtun in a storm. 46°54′1″N 55°33′51″W / 46.90028°N 55.56417°W / 46.90028; -55.56417 (USS Pollux (AKS-2))
President Coaker  Canada 1924 A schooner sunk in a gale near Cape Race.
Queen of Swansea United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Canada 1867 Ran aground and sunk in storm at Gull Island.
HMS Raleigh  Royal Navy 8 August 1922 A Hawkins-class heavy cruiser that sank in fog at Point Amour in Strait of Belle Isle.
Regulus  Newfoundland 23 October 1910 An A. Harvey & Company bulk carrier that ran aground and sank off Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove while under tow during a southeast gale. All 19 crew were lost.
Rose Castle  Canada 2 November 1942 An iron-ore carrier that was torpedoed by U-518 off Bell Island.
Royal Oak  United Kingdom 11 October 1823 to 19 October 1823 300 tons burthen snow brig left Quebec on 11 October with timber cargo, struck by large wave off Seven Islands on 14 October and badly damaged, swept south by storm until 19 October off Cap Roziere, New Brunswick when four surviving crew members were rescued by the vessel Margaret passing en route to Quebec. Royal Oak presumed foundered. Reported in Quebec Courant. Source: Quebec Courant 30 Oct 1823.
Saganaga 5 September 1942 An iron-ore carrier that was torpedoed by a U-513 off Wabana, Newfoundland.
San Juan de Pasajes Basques December 1565 While sitting at anchor in Red Bay bay with other whaling ships, she broke her moorings during a storm, struck an island and sank with a full load of 1,000 casks of oil. 51°43′55″N 56°25′32″W / 51.73194°N 56.42556°W / 51.73194; -56.42556 (San Juan de Pasajes)
Santa Celia  Spain 22 November 1972 Cod-fishing trawler, she burned in November 1972 in Saint Pierre and was sunk in the Gulf of St Lawrence. 46°33′N 56°50′W / 46.550°N 56.833°W / 46.550; -56.833 (Santa Celia (ship))
HMS Sapphire Kingdom of England 11 September 1696 A fifth-rate warship that was scuttled to prevent capture by France.
Sea Clipper United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Canada 1867 A schooner that sank in a storm near Spotted Island, Labrador.
HMCS Shawinigan  Royal Canadian Navy 25 November 1944 A Flower-class corvette that was torpedoed by U-1228 off Channel-Port aux Basques. 47°34′N 59°11′W / 47.567°N 59.183°W / 47.567; -59.183 (HMCS Shawinigan (K136))
Southern Cross  Canada 31 March 1914 A Newfoundland sealing steamer that was lost in a blizzard.
RMS Titanic  United Kingdom 15 April 1912 A British passenger liner operated by the White Star Line that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean 320 nautical miles (590 km; 370 mi) south-southeast of Newfoundland, Canada on 15 April 1912, after striking an iceberg during her maiden voyage. 41°43′57″N 49°56′49″W / 41.7325°N 49.946944°W / 41.7325; -49.946944
Titan  Bahamas 18 June 2023 Imploded during its descent in the North Atlantic Ocean, 320 nautical miles (590 km; 370 mi) off the coast of Newfoundland. 41°43′55″N 49°56′45″W / 41.731944°N 49.945833°W / 41.731944; -49.945833
HMS Tweed  Royal Navy 5 November 1813 Sunk in a storm near Bay Bulls.
U-174  Kriegsmarine 16 November 1942 A Type IXC U-boat that was sunk by an American aircraft southwest of Newfoundland, Canada. 43°35′N 56°18′W / 43.583°N 56.300°W / 43.583; -56.300 (German submarine U-174)
U-438 6 May 1943 A Type VIIC U-boat sunk by depth charges off Newfoundland.
U-520 30 October 1942 A Type IXC U-boat sunk by Canadian aircraft off St. John's. 47°47′N 49°50′W / 47.783°N 49.833°W / 47.783; -49.833 (German submarine U-520)
U-656 1 March 1942 A Type VIIC U-boat sunk by depth charges off Cape Race.
U-1229 20 August 1944 A Type IXC/40 U-boat that was sunk by Allied aircraft southeast of Newfoundland. 42°20′N 51°39′W / 42.333°N 51.650°W / 42.333; -51.650 (German submarine U-1229)
Viking  Canada 15 March 1931 A sealing barque that exploded off Horse Islands during the shooting of extra footage for the film The Viking, killing 27, including the film's producer.
Village Belle 1872 A schooner that was lost at Cape St. Francis.
Waterwitch 1875 Sunk near Pouch Cove.
William Carson  Canada 3 June 1977 A Canadian National ferry that struck an iceberg.

Northwest Territories

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
HMS Investigator  Royal Navy After 3 June 1853 Arctic exploration ship, part of the McClure Arctic expedition. Icebound in Mercy Bay, abandoned June 1853. Found in the Beaufort Sea, July 2010. 74°05′04″N 119°00′09″W / 74.084397°N 119.002619°W / 74.084397; -119.002619 (HMS Investigator (1848))

Nova Scotia

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
CGS Aberdeen  Canada 13 October 1923 A buoy tender that ran aground on the wreck of Snipe off Seal Island.
Arctic Bear  United States 19 March 1963 A steamship that foundered off Cape Sable Island while under tow. 42°40′N 65°11′W / 42.667°N 65.183°W / 42.667; -65.183 (USS Bear (1874))
Arrow  Canada 4 February 1970 An oil tanker that ran aground off Isle Madame. 45°28′01″N 61°06′16″W / 45.467049°N 61.104376°W / 45.467049; -61.104376 (SS Arrow)
Astrea  United Kingdom 8 May 1834 The barque was wrecked 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) east of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, British North America with the loss of 208 of the 211 people on board.
RMS Atlantic  United Kingdom 1 April 1873 A White Star Line ocean liner that ran aground near Meagher's Island. 44°27′55.9″N 63°42′37.9″W / 44.465528°N 63.710528°W / 44.465528; -63.710528 (RMS Atlantic)
Auguste  Great Britain 15 November 1761 A full-rigged transport, run aground on the northeastern side of Cape Breton Island.
Capricieux  France 21 July 1758 A French warship that caught fire and burned in the siege of Louisbourg.
HMCS Cartier  Royal Canadian Navy 1957 A hydrographic survey vessel and training ship that was scuttled off Sydney.
Célèbre  France 21 July 1758 A French warship that caught fire and burned in the siege of Louisbourg.
Chameau  France 27 August 1725 A French navy transport ship that was swept by a storm onto rocks near Louisbourg.
Charlottetown  Canada 18 June 1941 A CN Marine car ferry that ran aground and sank off Little Hope Island, near Port Mouton.
Christmas Seal  Canada 13 May 1976 A floating medical clinic that struck a reef off the Eastern Shore.
HMCS Clayoquot  Royal Canadian Navy 24 December 1944 A Bangor-class minesweeper that was torpedoed by U-806 near Sambro Island Light. 44°25′N 63°20′W / 44.417°N 63.333°W / 44.417; -63.333 (HMCS Clayoquot (J174))
Constantia  United Kingdom 13 May 1823 The ship was built at Quebec in 1822, shifted her registry to Bristol, and was wrecked near Gabarus Bay, Cape Breton. No lives were lost; part of the cargo was saved.
Cyclops 11 January 1942 A cargo ship that was torpedoed by U-123 southeast of Cape Sable Island, Canada. 41°51′N 63°48′W / 41.850°N 63.800°W / 41.850; -63.800 (SS Cyclops (1906))
Empire Dabchick 3 December 1942 A cargo ship that was torpedoed by U-183 about 200 nmi (370 km; 230 mi) east of Sable Island, Canada. 43°00′N 58°17′W / 43.000°N 58.283°W / 43.000; -58.283 (SS Empire Dabchick)
Enterprise 20 November 1802 A brig that caught fire and only 3 of the 24 crew survived.[8]
Enterprise  Canada 20 April 1970 A Newfoundland herring seiner fishing vessel which sank during a storm off the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island. All eight crew were lost. The vessel Patrick Morris, while assisting in the search-and-rescue mission, also sank.
Entreprenant  France 21 July 1758 A French warship struck with cannon fire by the Royal Navy off Louisbourg, burned and exploded.
Erg  Canada 24 August 1943 A tugboat that sank in Halifax Harbour on 6 June 1943, when she collided with the freighter Norelg; she was raised so that the bodies of the dead could be recovered, then re-sunk on 24 August.
Esperanto 30 May 1921 A schooner that hit a submerged wreck off Sable Island.
HMCS Esquimalt  Royal Canadian Navy 16 April 1945 A Bangor-class minesweeper that was torpedoed by U-190 off Chebucto Head. 44°28′N 63°10′W / 44.467°N 63.167°W / 44.467; -63.167 (HMCS Esquimalt (J272))
HMS Fantome  Royal Navy 24 November 1814 A brig-sloop that ran aground near the village of Prospect.
HMS Feversham  Royal Navy 7 October 1711 A fifth-rate warship that was wrecked off Louisbourg.
Hannah  United Kingdom 29 April 1849 An Irish famine ship which was holed by ice between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Havana  Canada 26 April 1906 A wooden schooner that was accidentally rammed by the steamer Strathcona off Point Pleasant Park.
Hungarian  United Kingdom 19 February 1860 A steamship wrecked off Cape Sable Island, with the loss of 205 lives.
Imo  Norway 6 December 1917 Halifax Explosion: The cargo ship collided with Mont-Blanc ( France) at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mont-Blanc caught fire and was obliterated in a massive explosion that killed approximately 2,000 people and drove Imo ashore. Imo subsequently was refloated, repaired, and returned to service.
USS Ingraham  United States Navy 22 August 1942 A Gleaves-class destroyer that collided with USS Chemung.
La Bourgogne  France 4 July 1898 A French ocean liner that sank in a collision off the coast of Sable Island, with a loss of 549 lives.
HMCS Long Branch  Royal Canadian Navy 1966 A Flower-class corvette that was scuttled off the coast of Nova Scotia.
Lord Clarendon United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Canada 13 November 1851 A wooden cargo ship that ran aground at Low Point in Sydney harbour.
Maria  United Kingdom 10 May 1849 An Irish famine ship which sank in Cabot Strait. They sailed from Limerick, Ireland for Quebec, carrying a crew of 10 plus 111 Irish emigrants. Sailing near midnight in a severe storm, the sailing ship sank immediately when it hit an iceberg, about 50 miles (80 km) from St. Paul Island. Only 12 on board survived.
Mont-Blanc  France 6 December 1917 A freighter that collided with Imo in Halifax Harbour, causing a fire that detonated her cargo of military explosives. The resulting Halifax Explosion killed an estimated 2000 people, and fragments of Mont-Blanc were scattered across Halifax and Dartmouth. 44°40′09″N 63°35′47″W / 44.66917°N 63.59639°W / 44.66917; -63.59639 (SS Mont-Blanc)
Patrick Morris  Canada 20 April 1970 A Canadian National Railways train ferry that sank in a storm off the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island while assisting in a search and rescue operation for the sinking fishing trawler Enterprise. Four crew, including the captain, were lost. 46°50′N 59°56′W / 46.833°N 59.933°W / 46.833; -59.933 (MV Patrick Morris)
Prudent  France 22 July 1758 A French warship burned following the siege of Louisbourg.
Reo II  Canada 22 February 1985 A former rum runner and Royal Canadian Navy minesweeper, scuttled 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
HMCS Saguenay  Maritime Command 1994 A St. Laurent-class destroyer scuttled as an artificial reef off Lunenburg.
Sankaty  Canada 1964 A steamboat that sank en route to be sold for scrap at Sydney.
Tikoma  Canada 25 May 1909 A barque that ran aground off Pictou.
HMS Tribune  Royal Navy 16 November 1797 A frigate that sank off Herring Cove. 44°33′59.2″N 63°33′11.7″W / 44.566444°N 63.553250°W / 44.566444; -63.553250 (HMS Tribune (1796))
Two Friends 22 October 1805 A sailing ship wrecked on the coast of Cape Breton Island.
U-548  Kriegsmarine 19 April 1945 A Type IXC/40 U-boat that was sunk by USS Reuben James and USS Buckley southeast of Nova Scotia. 42°19′N 61°45′W / 42.317°N 61.750°W / 42.317; -61.750 (German submarine U-548)
U-754 31 July 1942 A Type VIIC U-boat that was sunk by depth charges near Yarmouth.
U-866 18 March 1945 A Type IXC/40 U-boat that was sunk by American destroyer escorts southeast of Nova Scotia, Canada. 43°18′N 61°08′W / 43.300°N 61.133°W / 43.300; -61.133 (German submarine U-866)
USS West Gate  United States Navy 7 October 1918 A cargo ship that collided with the U.S. Navy cargo ship USS American 250 nmi (460 km; 290 mi) south of Halifax. 40°35′N 63°48′W / 40.583°N 63.800°W / 40.583; -63.800 (USS West Gate (ID-3216))
Unknown  Royal Navy 14 November 1760 A troopship that carried members of the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot.

Nunavut

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Breadalbane  United Kingdom 21 August 1853 A British barque sent to resupply Sir Edward Belcher's expedition to locate the missing Franklin expedition. Crushed by ice south of Beechey Island, August 1853. Found in Barrow Strait, August 1980. 74°41′N 91°50′W / 74.683°N 91.833°W / 74.683; -91.833 (Breadalbane (ship))
HMS Erebus  Royal Navy After 22 April 1848 A Hecla-class bomb vessel that was used for Arctic exploration, flagship of Sir John Franklin's lost expedition. Abandoned in Victoria Strait, April 1848. Found in Wilmot and Crampton Bay, September 2014.
HMS Fury 25 August 1825 A Hecla-class bomb vessel that was used for Arctic exploration, and was abandoned in Prince Regent Inlet.
Maud  Canada 1930 An Arctic exploration vessel that froze up at Cambridge Bay in 1926, whereafter she was used as a floating warehouse and wireless station until she sank four years later. In 2016 she was raised and in 2017 began her return to Norway. 69°07′08″N 105°01′12″W / 69.11889°N 105.02000°W / 69.11889; -105.02000 (Maud (ship))
Nascopie 21 July 1947 A steamship that was wrecked near Cape Dorset.
HMS Terror  Royal Navy After 22 April 1848 A Vesuvius-class bomb vessel that had participated in the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, and later used for Arctic exploration. Part of Sir John Franklin's lost expedition. Abandoned in Victoria Strait, April 1848. Found in Terror Bay, September 2016.

Ontario

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
115  United States 18 December 1899 Ran aground on Pic Island. 48°41′53.48″N 86°39′16.48″W / 48.6981889°N 86.6545778°W / 48.6981889; -86.6545778 (115)
America 5 April 1854 The sidewheel steamer ran aground on Pelee Island. 41°49′N 82°38′W / 41.817°N 82.633°W / 41.817; -82.633 (America)
Arches 11 November 1852 Also known as Oneida, the package freighter sank in a storm off Long Point. 42°27′N 80°01′W / 42.450°N 80.017°W / 42.450; -80.017 (Arches)
Argo  United States 20 October 1937 The tank barge sank off Pelee Island with a cargo of heavy crude and benzole; considered one of the greatest pollution risks on the Great Lakes. Discovered in 2015.[9] 41°38′N 82°30′W / 41.633°N 82.500°W / 41.633; -82.500 (Argo)
Argus 9 November 1913 Wreckage found near Bayfield
Atlantic 20 August 1852 Paddlewheel steamer rammed and sunk off Long Point in the fifth-worst single-vessel disaster to ever occur on the Great Lakes. 42°30′N 80°05′W / 42.500°N 80.083°W / 42.500; -80.083 (Steamship Atlantic)
Brown Brothers 1959 Sank off Long Point. 42°37′N 80°00′W / 42.617°N 80.000°W / 42.617; -80.000 (Brown Brothers (ship))
Bruce  Canada 1875 A 99-foot (30 m) wooden rear paddle wheeler steamership that caught fire in front of the Rideau Canal in the Ottawa River and sank in Ottawa. It was relocated under the Rideau Canoe Club wharf at the beginning of the 1980s. Only the hull can be seen. 45°26′06″N 75°42′01″W / 45.4349°N 75.7004°W / 45.4349; -75.7004 (Bruce)
Conestoga  United States 22 May 1922 A wooden cargo ship that caught fire and sank off Cardinal.
Eastcliffe Hall  Canada 14 July 1970 A bulk carrier that sank in the Saint Lawrence River near Morrisburg.
Edmund Fitzgerald  United States 10 November 1975 Edmund Fitzgerald was a 729-foot-long (222 m) freighter that sank of an unknown cause in a storm on Lake Superior. The Edmund Fitzgerald is the largest ship to sink on the lakes. 46°59.91′N 85°06.61′W / 46.99850°N 85.11017°W / 46.99850; -85.11017 (SS Edmund Fitzgerald)
Glen Isle  Canada 1930 A 105-foot (32 m) schooner that caught fire and sank off Kettle Island, opposite Gatineau. 45°16′58″N 75°22′53″W / 45.282730°N 75.381500°W / 45.282730; -75.381500 (Glen Isle (1911))
Ivy  Canada 1890 A 100-foot (30 m) paddle sidewheeler that caught fire, exploded and sunk at dock in Gatineau. 45°15′20″N 75°25′21″W / 45.255487°N 75.422377°W / 45.255487; -75.422377 (Ivy (1871))
James B. Colgate  United States 20 October 1916 A whaleback steamer that sank off Long Point, in a storm that also took Merida and Marshall F Butters. 25 people were lost, with one survivor. Wreckage was located in 1991. 42°05′N 81°44′W / 42.083°N 81.733°W / 42.083; -81.733 (James B. Colgate (ship))
Jean Richard  Canada 1987 A 96-foot (29 m) wooden schooner, formerly Ville de Vanier, that was abandoned. 45°15′56″N 75°25′18″W / 45.265580°N 75.421730°W / 45.265580; -75.421730 (Ville de Vanier Jean Richard (1959))
J.G. McGrath 28 October 1878 Foundered off Long Point. 42°40′N 79°23′W / 42.667°N 79.383°W / 42.667; -79.383 (J.G. McGrath)
John B. King  Canada 1930 A drill-boat containing dynamite which was struck by lightning, resulting in an explosion which killed thirty people. 44°33′46″N 75°42′42″W / 44.56283°N 75.71179°W / 44.56283; -75.71179 (John B. King explosion)
J. S. Seaverns  United States 10 May 1884 Sank off Michipicoten, no lives lost. Wreck discovered in 2016.[10][11] 47°57′01″N 84°52′39″W / 47.9502778°N 84.87743611°W / 47.9502778; -84.87743611 (J. S. Seaverns)
Lillie Parsons  Canada 5 August 1877 A schooner that hit rocks and sank near Brockville. 44°33′22″N 75°43′08″W / 44.55618°N 75.71878°W / 44.55618; -75.71878 (Lillie Parsons)
Lycoming 21 October 1910 The steamer burned at her dock in Morpeth. c
Maggie Bell  Canada 1874 The wooden paddle steamer sank in Ottawa 45°16′31″N 75°24′11″W / 45.275287°N 75.402961°W / 45.275287; -75.402961 (Maggie Bell (1874))
Manasoo  Canada 1928 Discovered 200 feet below the Georgian Bay in excellent condition with a 1927 Chevrolet Coupe inside.
Mansfield  Canada 1896 The 104-foot (32 m) steamer caught fire and sank in Ottawa 45°15′51″N 75°24′50″W / 45.264186°N 75.413805°W / 45.264186; -75.413805 (Mansfield (1888))
Mary Ward 24 November 1872 A steamboat wrecked on a reef near Collingwood.
Mayflower  Canada 12 November 1912 The vessel sank in Kamaniskeg Lake in a winter storm, with nine people killed.
Merida 16 October 1916 A Ward Line steamer that sank off Long Point in a storm that also took James B. Colgate and Marshall F. Butters. 42°13′N 81°20′W / 42.217°N 81.333°W / 42.217; -81.333 (Meria (ship))
Metamora  Canada 30 September 1907 A wooden tug that burned to the waterline near Pointe au Baril, Georgian Bay. 45°31′43.39″N 80°24′26.61″W / 45.5287194°N 80.4073917°W / 45.5287194; -80.4073917 (Metamora (shipwreck))
Minnie  Canada 1930 The 95-foot (29 m) barge leaked and sank in Ottawa at the west exit of the eight locks of the Rideau Canal, near Parliament Hill 22°27′09″N 41°56′42″W / 22.4525595°N 41.945°W / 22.4525595; -41.945 (Minnie (1873))
HMS Nancy  Royal Navy 14 August 1814 A schooner that was scuttled in the Nottawasaga River to prevent capture, during the War of 1812. 44°31′09″N 80°01′12″W / 44.519214°N 80.019951°W / 44.519214; -80.019951 (HMS Nancy (1789))
Otter  Canada 1870 The 102-foot (31 m) tugboat caught fire and sank in Ottawa at the west exit of the eight locks of the Rideau Canal, near Parliament Hill
Oxford United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Canada 30 May 1856 Sank after a collision off Long Point. 42°28′N 79°51′W / 42.467°N 79.850°W / 42.467; -79.850 (Oxford)
Pascal P. Pratt 1908 Ran aground off Long Point. 42°33′N 80°05′W / 42.550°N 80.083°W / 42.550; -80.083 (Pascal P. Pratt (ship))
Princess Louise  Canada 1883 Wrecked in the Flood of 1883, London, Ontario.
Quinte Queen  Canada 1920 A 100-foot (30 m) wooden steamship, formerly Salaberry, that leaked and sank in Ottawa. 45°16′31″N 75°24′08″W / 45.2752°N 75.4021°W / 45.2752; -75.4021 (Quinte Queen (1902))
Resolute  Canada 1890 The 56-foot (17 m) tugboat caught fire and sank in Ottawa 54°27′10″N 75°24′58″W / 54.4526858°N 75.41612°W / 54.4526858; -75.41612 (Resolute (1875))
Robert 26 September 1982 The tug sank after a collision off Chatham-Kent. 42°15′N 81°49′W / 42.25°N 81.81°W / 42.25; -81.81 (Robert)
R.R. Foster  Canada 1948 A 78-foot (24 m) ship that leaked and sank in Ottawa. 45°16′58″N 75°22′29″W / 45.282670°N 75.374600°W / 45.282670; -75.374600 (R.R. Foster (1912))
Sand scow  Canada 6 August 1918 Stranded on the Canadian side of Niagara River above Horseshoe Falls.
Scotiadoc  Canada 20 June 1953 Rammed by the freighter Burlington in heavy fog off Trowbridge Island, near the Sleeping Giant. 48°16′19″N 88°56′57″W / 48.271936°N 88.949157°W / 48.271936; -88.949157 (Scotiadoc)
HMS Speedy  Royal Navy 8 October 1804 A schooner that sank off Brighton, Lake Ontario. 43°48′50″N 76°47′20″W / 43.814°N 76.789°W / 43.814; -76.789 (HMS Speedy (1798))
HMS St Lawrence A wooden warship that served in the War of 1812. The ship was decommissioned and her hull was used as a storage facility by Morton's Brewery in Kingston. In January 1832, the hull was sold to Robert Drummond for £25. Later, it was sunk close to shore, and is now a popular diving attraction. 44°13′14″N 76°30′18″W / 44.22056°N 76.50500°W / 44.22056; -76.50500 (HMS St Lawrence (1814))
Sweepstakes  Canada September 1885 A schooner that sank at Big Tug Harbour after being damaged in August 1885.
HMS Toronto  Royal Navy 1811 A schooner that sank off Hanlan's Point, Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario.
True North II  Canada 16 June 2000 A glass-bottomed tour boat that sank in Georgian Bay, killing two students.
Victoria  Canada 1881 A ferry that capsized and sank near London, Ontario, with the loss of 181 lives.[12]
Waubuno 22 November 1879 A side-wheel paddle steamer lost in a storm in Georgian Bay. 45°07′15″N 80°09′58″W / 45.12083°N 80.16611°W / 45.12083; -80.16611 (=PS Waubuno)
William King United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Canada 1841 A 95-foot (29 m) paddle wheeler that was abandoned and sank in Ottawa. 45°27′09″N 75°25′13″W / 45.4526141°N 75.42026°W / 45.4526141; -75.42026 (William King (1826))
HMS Wolfe (later HMS Montreal)  Royal Navy A freshwater sloop of war that served in the War of 1812. She was ordered broken up and sold in 1831, and is presumed to have rotted and sunk at Kingston. The wreck, identified as HMS Montreal by Parks Canada in 2006, lies near the Royal Military College of Canada. 44°13′N 76°27′W / 44.217°N 76.450°W / 44.217; -76.450 (HMS Wolfe (1813))
Wolfe Islander II  Canada 21 September 1985 Car ferry scuttled to provide scuba attraction off Dawson's Point, Wolfe Island

Prince Edward Island

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
HMS Alert  Royal Navy 1791 A 4-gun schooner that was wrecked in Charlottetown harbour or Hillsborough Bay, possibly salvaged and broken up in 1799.
Eagle  Canada 1 September 1922 A cargo ship that was crushed by pack ice and sank 28 kilometres (15 nmi) off North Cape.
George N Orr  United States 4 December 1917 A Great Lakes freighter sold by Canada to the United States for coastal service during World War I. After losing its steering gear off East Point she drifted until running aground off Savage Harbour.
HMCS Assiniboine  Royal Canadian Navy 10 November 1945 Canadian River-class destroyer that was sold for scrap after seeing action in the Battle of the Atlantic and ran aground after breaking away from her tow off East Point.
Marco Polo  Canada 22 July 1883 A clipper that ran aground on a beach at Cavendish.
Olga 5 November 1906 A 1,100-tonne steel-hulled barque that ran aground and sank off Hermanville in the Yankee Gale of 1906.
HMS Phoenix  Royal Navy 12 September 1882 A Doterel-class sloop that ran aground off East Point. 46°28.5′N 61°58′W / 46.4750°N 61.967°W / 46.4750; -61.967 (HMS Phoenix (1879))
Sovinto  Canada 5 November 1906 A four-masted barque that ran aground and sank off Priest Pond in the Yankee Gale of 1906.
True Friends United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Canada 25 September 1824 A passenger cargo ship that struck a reef and sank off East Point.
Tunstall  Canada 11 May 1884 A steamer owned by Black Diamond Line, which was carrying coal from Pictou, Nova Scotia, to Montreal, Quebec, when it sank after being crushed in the ice off Covehead. All the crew aboard Tunstall made it safely ashore and the wreck is now a popular site for scuba divers.

Quebec

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
HMCS Charlottetown  Royal Canadian Navy 11 September 1942 A Flower-class corvette that was torpedoed and sunk off Cap Chat by U-517. 49°10′N 66°50′W / 49.167°N 66.833°W / 49.167; -66.833 (HMCS Charlottetown (1941))
HMCS Chedabucto 31 October 1943 A Bangor-class minesweeper that collided with Lord Kelvin off Rimouski. 48°14′N 69°16′W / 48.233°N 69.267°W / 48.233; -69.267 (HMCS Chedabucto (J168))
Cimba  Canada 26 July 1915 A clipper that sank in fog near Pointe des Monts.
RMS Empress of Ireland  United Kingdom 29 May 1914 A transatlantic ocean liner that was hit by the coal freighter SS Storstad in the Saint Lawrence River and sank with heavy loss of life. 48°37.5′N 68°24.5′W / 48.6250°N 68.4083°W / 48.6250; -68.4083 (RMS Empress of Ireland (1906))
HMS Leopard  Royal Navy 28 June 1814 A troopship that ran aground on Anticosti Island.
CGS Montmagny  Canada 18 September 1914 A buoy/lighthouse tender that sank near Montmagny after a collision with the coal carrier Lingan. The incident left 15 dead (one navigation officer and two lightkeeper's families (wives and children)).
Norsya  Canada 19 September 1953 Former HMCS Shulamite, renamed Norsya and later foundered off Matane.
HMS Penelope  Royal Navy 27 April 1815 A fifth-rate frigate that ran aground and broke apart near Pointe-à-la-Frégate in Cloridorme.
CGS Simcoe  Canada 7 December 1917 A buoy tender that sank in a storm near Iles-de-la-Madeleine with all hands on board (44 people).
HMCS West York  Royal Canadian Navy 7 November 1945 A Flower-class corvette that was struck by Polaris at dock in Montreal.

Saskatchewan

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
City of Medicine Hat  Canada 7 June 1908 A paddle steamer that crashed into the newly built Traffic Bridge on the South Saskatchewan River.

Yukon

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
A. J. Goddard  Canada 22 October 1901 A sternwheeler that sank in a storm on Lake Laberge. 61°01′33″N 135°07′09″W / 61.0259°N 135.1191°W / 61.0259; -135.1191 (A. J. Goddard)
Klondike I  Canada June 1936 A sternwheeler that hit a rock wall when going around a bend in the Yukon River. It then lost control, ran aground, and sank on a gravel bar. 61°40′17″N 134°52′22″W

See also

References[13]

  1. ^ "SAN PEDRO CARGO SHIP 1882-1891". wrecksite.eu. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
  2. ^ "The Wreck of the Vanlene - BC History Online". Archived from the original on 2014-03-16. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  3. ^ Adams, W.H.D. (1877). Great shipwrecks: a record of perils and disasters at sea, 1544-1877 [by W.H.D. Adams]. p. 340. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  4. ^ "The Marine List". Lloyd's List (5134). 13 December 1816.
  5. ^ "Dreadful Shipwreck". The Belfast News-Letter. No. 9831. 2 September 1831.
  6. ^ "MISCELLANEOUS". The Bury and Norwich Post: Or, Suffolk and Norfolk Telegraph, Essex, Cambridge, & Ely Intelligencer. No. 2574. 26 October 1831.
  7. ^ ″An Ocean Horror Within Sight of the City″, Evening Herald November 7, 1896 Volume 262
  8. ^ Gentleman's Magazine. Vol. 91.
  9. ^ MacDonald, Evan (October 26, 2015) [Originally published October 25, 2015]. "Crews working to identify leak in shipwreck suspected to be the Argo". cleveland.com. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  10. ^ "J. S. Seaverns (Propeller), sunk, 10 May 1884". Retrieved November 30, 2023 – via Maritime History of the Great Lakes.
  11. ^ Krueger, Andrew (November 15, 2016) [Originally published November 2, 2016]. "Lake Superior shipwreck discovered, and even the dishes survived". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  12. ^ "Victoria (Steamboat), capsized, 24 May 1881". Retrieved 6 February 2012.
  13. ^ Parks Canada Agency, Government of Canada (2020-10-22). "S.S. Klondike - S.S. Klondike National Historic Site". www.pc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2021-07-20.

Media related to Shipwrecks in Canada at Wikimedia Commons