NORTH CAROLINA
By Capt. Dan Berg
Photo: Bowsprit of the North Carolina. Photo by Alan Marquardt.
Bermuda wreck series postage
stamp. Courtesy Postmaster General.
The English iron barque, North Carolina, which was
approximately 205 feet in length, was enroute from Bermuda to
Liverpool, with a general cargo, including cotton and bark, when she
struck a reef and sunk on January 1, 1880. According to the Board of
Trade Casualty Returns1879-83, the North Carolina was three
years old, displaced 533 tons, was registered in Liverpool, owned by
H. Barber and under the command of Captain Alexander Buchan. The
Casualty Returns also tell us she was sunk 8.5 miles west and .5
miles south of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse.
On January 27, 1880, a salvage attempt was made tore-float the
vessel. This attempt failed when the North Carolina's massive
anchor broke free and crashed through the ship's hull.
Today, the North Carolina sits upright in 25 to 45feet of
water. Her bow and stern are intact with her mid section collapsed.
Her bowsprit and stern fantail and row of dead eyes all make
excellent backgrounds for
underwater photographers.
The information listed
above was taken with permission from the Book:
BERMUDA SHIPWRECKS, ISBN # 0-9616167-4-1
A Vacationing Divers Guide to Bermudas Shipwrecks,
by Dan and Denise Berg, 6x9 softcover,73 pages.
Retail $14.95
From the first quarter of the 16th century, Bermuda became a
landmark for Spanish ships sailing back to Spain from the New World.
The desire to sight Bermuda to confirm their position often ended
their voyage as they wrecked on Bermuda's outer reefs. To this day
Bermuda's treacherous reefs have taken their toll on shipping. The
reefs have claimed vessels ranging from ocean lines to small fishing
boats. Bermuda Shipwrecks is the most comprehensive, accurate,
illustrated collection of information, photographs, sketches and
stories ever written about the legendary wrecks around Bermuda.
Bermuda Shipwrecks includes over 100 illustrations comprised of 61
sensational color photos, 17 rare b&w historical images, 19 stamps,
4 sketches plus one map. Bermuda Shipwrecks contains a wealth of
enlightening information that gives the readers a nostalgic glimpse
into the history and present condition of over 55 of Bermuda's most
popular Shipwrecks. |
