1897 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
The year 1879 was a disastrous one for Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, with no fewer than 31 vessels lost along with 106 persons. The ships lost were among the best of the Yarmouth fleet, some carrying valuable cargoes, while the loss of life left 26 widows and 99 children to mourn husbands and fathers.
One instance alone was that of the schooner Boadicea, 79 tons; she sailed rom Yarmouth for Martinique with a general cargo, but was not heard of afterwards. Her crew, consisting of six men, left five widows and sixteen fatherless children.
Both before and after 1879, numerous courageous Yarmouth men and women have died at sea. It is the intention of the Yarmouth Waterfront Development Committee to construct a monument to all those "Lost to the Sea".
Of particular importance in the names listed on the monument will be those citizens of Yarmouth County who have been lost at sea as a result of the fishing industry, Yarmouth's longest and continuing seafaring industry. An example of losses in this sector was the tragic loss of life when the herring seiner Silver King was run down by tugboat Ocean Rockswift in August 1967.
As well, the list will include the names of those from Yarmouth lost in passenger vessels such as those who perished in the sinking of the City of Monticello in November, 1900.
We will not forget those who gave their lives for our country while serving in the navy and merchant navy during wartime. This list will include the first Canadian to die in the First World War, Midshipman Malcolm Cann.