RAMONA
By Capt. Dan Berg
The Canadian steel hulled 120 foot long yacht, Ramona, was
sunk on December 2, 1967. According to Teddy Tucker , she was under
command of Captain William Post McKay enroute from Lunenburg, Nova
Scotia, to St. Lucia when the ship ran aground on a reef at 8:00 PM.
Mike Davis reports that the crew of ten immediately sent up distress
signals, but no one came to their aid. After abandoning ship in
lifeboats, the wreck was finally noticed the next morning and
reported to authorities. Many boats as well as aircraft rushed to
help, but only five of the crew members survived the ordeal.
In the weeks following the accident, there was much speculation as
to the competency of the Ramona's captain. It was reported
that he was drunk during much of the voyage, an accusation which he
strongly denied.
The Ramona was latter raised with hopes of making the vessel
seaworthy again, but it was discovered that such an undertaking was
too extensive due to the damage incurred by her sinking. After
salvaging everything of value from the Ramona's hull, she was
sunk in a dump area off dockyard in 60 feet of water. Her bow now
sits nestled inside the wreck of the
Dry Dock, which was also
scuttled on the same site.
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. |
