Where is the aquatic region of Newfoundland?
On the Canadian Atlantic coast lies the Island of Newfoundland, whose surrounding waters carry the force of polar currents from Greenland. Actually, it is the so-called Labrador Current, in the North Atlantic, it passes around Newfoundland on its way and continues south along the eastern coast of Nova Scotia.
Why is it so dangerous to sail near Newfoundland?
For several centuries, fishing vessels have come to this region of the sea in search of fish, especially cod.
But the climatic conditions are extreme, with temperatures that in winter range from -1 to -30°C. In addition, up to 40,000 icebergs from Greenland drift in those waters. These conditions make it especially difficult to navigate.
The most important sinkings in Newfoundland: ships and submarines
Like the Bermuda Triangle, the waters around Newfoundland are believed to have a natural draw for maritime disasters. These are the most important:
sunken ships
The Sinking of the Arctic (1854): The SS Arctic, a passenger steamer, collided with a French cargo ship called the SS Vesta during heavy fog off the coast of Newfoundland. More than 300 people died in the accident.
The sinking of the Titanic (1912): The Titanic, considered the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people and became one of the most famous shipwrecks in history.
Sinking of the Florizel (1918): The Florizel, a passenger ship operating on the route between New York and St. John’s, Newfoundland, struck rocks near Cape Race during a storm. Of the 137 people on board, only 44 survived.
Sinking of the Viking (1931): The Viking, a Norwegian steamship, sank near Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland, after hitting a reef. Fortunately, all the passengers and crew were rescued.
The sinking of the Caribou (1942): During World War II, the SS Caribou, a passenger and cargo ferry, was torpedoed by a German submarine in Cabot Strait near Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. More than 130 people were killed, including civilians and members of the armed forces.