Death on the Ice by Robert Ryan
Death on the Ice is a true book by talented author, Robert Ryan. Set in the early 1900’s, the story follows the tragic events of the sinking of the SS Newfoundland and the mysterious disappearance of one of the passengers, Thomas Ryan.
The SS Newfoundland, a steamship, was primarily used for travel between Nova Scotia and St. John’s. In addition, it serviced fishing communities as far as Labrador. On March 11, 1914, the Newfoundland made its last unknown voyage. What followed was a tragic event that left an entire fishing community in mourning and a mystery that took more than one hundred years to solve.
The ships crew had no idea what they were in for when, early in the morning of March 11, they hit pack ice, hard. The shock of the impact blew out the main bulkhead, followed by huge ice floes slamming against the hull of the ship. This was enough to do immense damage to the hull, causing the Newfoundland to begin to sink.
Fearing for their lives, those aboard attempted escape, jumping from the moving steamship and into icy waters below. Many of the crew members, along with the passengers, were able to make it to the side of the ship and were rescued by fishing crews in the area. However, one passenger had been reported as missing: Thomas Ryan.
Death on the Ice is an engrossing story, as Ryan examines historical documents to uncover not only the mystery of the loss of Thomas Ryan, but also the complete story of the SS Newfoundland’s final voyage. As Ryan works to uncover what happened, he collects interviews, testimonies, and even pictures of the sinking ship.
This is a unique and eye-opening account of the mistakes and heartache behind one of the greatest disasters in Canadian Maritime History. With a wealth of detail, from gripping accounts of survivors barely clinging to life, to conversations with witnesses and descendants of the ill-fated vessel, Robert Ryan skillfully brings to life the tragedy of the SS Newfoundland.
Death on the Ice is a passionate and educational book. Readers of the book gain a greater insight into the culture of the Newfoundland fishing community and follow an emotional journey through time as Ryan investigates what truly happened to the SS Newfoundland and its passengers.
Though the mystery of Thomas Ryan remains unsolved, Robert Ryan’s research and insight allows us to gain an understanding of what likely happened. This is an inspiring tale that calls us to remember the heartache of the past and appreciate the hard-working fishing communities of Newfoundland.
