Calburga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
| Name | Calburga |
| Owner | Adam MacDougall |
| Operator | W.D. Nelson |
| Route | Halifax – Liverpool. |
| Builder | Adam MacDougall |
| Completed | 1890 |
| Identification | IMO number: 90478 |
| Fate | Ran aground on November 13, 1915 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 1,406 GRT |
| Length | 64.008 m (210 ft 0 in) |
| Beam | 11.94 m (39 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 7.07 m (23 ft 2 in) |
| Sail plan | Square rig |
| Crew | 14 |
| Notes | Last Canadian-built square-rigger of large tonnage left that was still registered in Canada. |
The Calburga was a famous Canadian sailing ship. It was a type of ship called a barque, which means it had three or more masts. Built in 1890 in South Maitland, Nova Scotia, it was the last large sailing ship of its kind made in Canada.
The ship was made of strong spruce wood, held together with iron and copper. It had three tall masts for its sails. The Calburga was quite special for its time. It even had a windmill pump to remove water and a wheelhouse to protect the helmsman (the person steering the ship). Its outside was also decorated with beautiful hand-carved designs.
Contents
Building a Mighty Ship
The Calburga was built by Adam MacDougall in 1890. It was a very large ship, weighing 1406 tons. It was about 64 meters (210 feet) long and 11.9 meters (39 feet) wide.
This ship was important because it was the last big square-rigger (a ship with square sails) built in Canada. It was also the last one of its size still registered in Canada.
Journeys Across the Seas
The Calburga was a busy ship. It carried timber (wood) to South America. It also sailed to places like South Africa, Buenos Aires (in Argentina), and Great Britain.
Over the years, the Calburga had different owners and captains. Some of its owners included Thomas Douglas and W.K. Stair. Its captains included Jonathan Douglas, Captain Mackenzie, and W.D. Nelson.
The Final Voyage
During World War I, the Calburga helped by carrying goods between Canada and Great Britain. On November 13, 1915, the ship was on its second trip from Canada to Great Britain.
Captain W.D. Nelson was in charge. They ran into a terrible storm near Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire, Wales. People said it was one of the worst storms in 20 years.
The Calburga hit rocks and was badly damaged. A lifeboat from the Strumble Head Lighthouse found the ship completely wrecked. The crew of 14 had managed to escape in their own lifeboat.
They safely reached Aberbach beach. There, they were helped by a group called The Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society. They were then taken back to their home port in Halifax.
What Happened to the Calburga?
The remains of the Calburga still lie on the Welsh seabed (the bottom of the sea). It has become a popular spot for divers to explore.
You can also see a model of the ship. It was made by David Coldwell and Glenn Buckmaster. This model is on display at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax.
