STORIES OF THE SEA
Home from The Sea
Whether by tragedy or by bounty, as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, our DNA is shaped by 29,000 kilometers of coastline and our inseparable relationship with the sea. Those who eke out a living on the North Atlantic know too well that the challenges and opportunities presented by her must be met with persistence, courage, and humility.
The stories and achievements of historic significance provided here, barely scratch the surface of many thousands of untold stories that have shaped our identity and sense of place as a people. Indeed, the very words “Home from The Sea” encapsulate a longing to be home and a longing to see loved ones home safe.
Captain Bob Bartlett- Arctic Explorer
From Brigus, NL, Captain Robert (Bob) Abram Bartlett is a true legend. After sailing merchant vessels to Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, in 1898 at age 23, he became a Master Mariner. Between 1898 and 1909, Bartlett accompanied polar explorer Robert Peary on three separate attempts to reach the North Pole, once as first mate of the Windward, and twice as captain of the Roosevelt.
In his lifetime he travelled further north than almost any other living person, was shipwrecked 12 times, survived for months in the Arctic after sea ice crushed his ship, and journeyed hundreds of miles by dogsled to reach civilization and save his crew. Despite these hardships, Bartlett always returned with photographs, film reels, and scientific data that greatly contributed to the world’s understanding of the Arctic.
The Royal Commission on the Ocean Ranger Marine Disaster:
A Global Change Agent
The February 15, 1982, sinking of the Ocean Ranger offshore drilling unit and the loss of all its 84 crew members, irrevocably changed lives and maritime safety culture here in Newfoundland and Labrador and worldwide. The 136 recommendations made by the Royal Commission had a significant and immediate impact. Examining every aspect of offshore operations from equipment design to training to search and rescue and regulatory oversight, this work led to the Atlantic Accord Implementation Act of 1986 and the creation Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board to effectively regulate the industry.
The methodology applied by the Royal Commission also served as a model for later investigations in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Its recommendations influenced all forms of offshore vessels and structures outside the offshore oil and gas industry worldwide.
Strathcona Line – Bringing Health to Coastal Communities
The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen sent Dr. Wilfred Grenfell to Labrador in 1892 to improve the plight of coastal inhabitants. Conditions were so deplorable that people were in poor health generally with many dying from treatable conditions. Acquired in 1899 the donated Strathcona I was one of the world’s first to carry x-ray equipment, and contained a dispensary, emergency cots, and a mission hall.
For 23 years it steamed 3,000 miles up and down the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador treating 4,000 patients in a busy season. To quote Dr. Grenfell “Once she towed 19 shipwrecked crews to safety, once saved from a wreck nearly 200 persons. Five times she has been on the rocks herself.” There was also a Strathcona II and III collectively known as the Strathcona Line.
Captain William Jackman – A Truly Selfless Hero
Rarely in Canada’s history has there been a story of such bravery and selflessness. A sealing captain born In Renews NL, Captain Jackman is best known for his role in the October 1867 rescue at Spotted Island Labrador. It was there that the Sea Clipper had run aground with 27 people aboard. Jackman swam back and forth to the vessel eleven times, rescuing eleven people. His crew then tied a rope around his waist and Jackman swam back sixteen more times, rescuing all aboard the doomed ship. In December of 1868, for his heroism, he was presented the Medal and Diploma of the Royal Humane Society.
A man of immense energy, his career as a master mariner was cut short at age 39 when he died, some say from never quite recovering from his rescue efforts.
Battle Harbour – A Future in History
For two centuries, Battle Harbour was a bustling economic and social centre know as the salt fish capital of Labrador. Perfectly preserved and frozen in time this National Historic District has been revived, as a place to immerse yourself in the traditional life and times of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. While its exact founding date is unknown, the firm of John Slade & Company of Poole, England was using the island in 1771 and may have been doing so as early as 1750. At that time, being located on the southeast coast of Labrador offered a natural stopover for ships heading north “On the Labrador”. Battle Harbour soon became the unofficial capital of Labrador.
Today, the community has transitioned to a thriving tourist destination setting an example for communities worldwide that look to capitalize on their rich histories.
The Crow's Nest
Established in 1942 in donated warehouse space, the Crow’s Nest became a legendary place of respite for naval officers during the Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War. It was said to have been a key rendezvous point for strategizing during intense sea battles. Recognized as a national historic site and now as a recipient of our Award of Historic Significance, this remarkable site has remained unchanged. With the stewardship of dedicated staff, it has remained a place of respite and storytelling. Like stepping into a time warp, visitors routinely comment that they ‘feel the history’ made tangible by the gunshilds and artifacts, and invariably, the stories they trigger. Visitors develop a deeper sense of the angst, dedication, and sacrifice it must have taken to brave the North Atlantic in times of war!
CBC's Land and Sea Program
First airing in 1964, Land and Sea is longest-running regional program in the CBC network, nationally. For over 50 years and more than 250 episodes Land and Sea has been amassing a remarkable archive of community and the maritime history of Newfoundland and Labrador. Hosts like Dave Quinton, Paul Harrington. Bill Kelly, Pauline Thornhill and so many more became household names that took each generation of listeners to every corner of our beautiful province, extending our sense of community and unifying our pride of place. Rarely do such programs have this kind of impact on the psyche of a people and rarely do they become such a comprehensive archive of the ups and downs of a growing province. Like fine wine, the value and historic significance of this remarkable run of storytelling will only grow over time.
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