Meigle Total Loss At St. Shott’s

St. Shotts, “the graveyard of the Atlantic,” had claimed another victim, this time that well known Newfoundland owned ship, the S.S. Meigle. The vessel went ashore at approximately 10.30 Saturday night, and is a total loss. The crew are safe and arrived in St. John’s by car and truck yesterday afternoon.

Enroute from Halifax via Charlotteown and St. Pierre a cargo consisting of 155 head of cattle, 4, 000 hens, a quantity of pigs, and general cargo, the Meigle encountered dense fog after leaving St. Pierre 10 o’clock Saturday morning.

Captain Moss, who has served on the Meigle for the past four years, told a Daily News reporter yesterday that his ship when she went ashore was steaming on a course which yes [sic] supposed to take her 25 miles off the coast. “There was a strong current setting in the bay and although allowances were made, the ship made a bigger drift than was anticipated, “he stated.

Fortunately, when the ship struck there was a very little sea running and the crew remained on board until daylight yesterday morning. “In the fog and darkness all that could be seen was the wash of the waves as they broke on the rocks directly beneath the bows of the ship.”

Shortly after daylight a sea started “to heave in,” and the abandon ship order was given. “The crew behaved magnificently, there was no excitement and each man proved his worth,” stated the captain.

Some of the men left in boats, whilst others went over the bows, which on the outgoing tide was “high and dry.” Skipper Warren and his crew of Wareham’s schooner “Eric and Keith” which was anchored at St. Mary’s rendered excellent assistance in providing transportation to St. Mary’s and food for the distressed crew….

The Meigle, which has given 68 years of service, registered 1060 [sic] tons gross and 611 nett. Since coming to this country she served as a passenger and fright boat with the Reid Newfoundland and later the Newfoundland Railway for several years. For a period she was used as a prison ship in the harbour of St. John’s. When the Labrador Development Company started operations at Port Home Simpson, the Meigle [sic] was used as a floating warehouse and men’s quarters until shore installations were erected.

Shaw Steamship Company Ltd., purchased the vessel prior to the war and since that time she ship has given splendid service to her owners and the country, especially during the war years.

The Daily News

July 21, 1947