Water Witch: A Century and a Half
2025 is the 150th anniversary of the Water Witch Disaster. During a terrible storm the night of November 29th, 1875, the Water Witch (a Cupids based schooner) was lost in Horrid Gulch, near Pouch Cove. Against all odds, survivors from the shipwreck were able to scale incredibly steep cliffs to pull themselves up out of Horrid Gulch and then made the treacherous hike to find help from the first home they encountered on Longshore- the Langmead House. Immediately, the people of Pouch Cove came together and assembled a rescue crew and set out to Horrid Gulch. The rescuers saved many lives that night, despite unbelievable conditions. That night has inextricably linked the communities of Cupids and Pouch Cove as they continue to commemorate the disaster and the heroism shown that night.
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The century and a half since the Water Witch disaster has marked significant social, political, and cultural change in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland and Labrador’s participation in both World Wars, confederation with Canada, the cod moratorium and the rapid changes in technology have irreversibly changed life in our province. However, the spirit of resilience, community, and collective action that defines the actions of people of Pouch Cove and Cupids in the aftermath of the Water Witch persist.
Our communities remain tight-knit and proud populations. Despite loss and hardship, the story of the Water Witch is part of a much longer and larger history of acting in the service of others, a history we as members of the Pouch Cove Heritage Society are stewards of.
Both our organizations are committed to continuing to preserve, celebrate, and present the histories of our communities and of this province to future generations. Given the immense change this century and a half has brought, it is difficult to imagine what the next 150 years will bring. We hope that the story of the Water Witch continues to reflect for future generations that spirit and resiliency of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
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To mark the 150th anniversary, the Pouch Cove Heritage Society will host a supper and commemoration on Saturday November 29th, 2025. The event will be held at All Saints Anglican Hall, with doors opening at 5pm and the event taking place between 530-730. For further information on Water Witch: A Century and a Half or to purchase tickets for this event, please reach out to info@pouchcoveheritage.com
The Wreck of the Waterwitch
A Short Film
Directed By
Ken Pittman
Rescue Re-enactment
Technical Rope & Rescue Inc.
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Camera & Digital Production
Darrell Redmon
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Research & Consultant
Po Chun Lau
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Illustrations By
Ken Pittman
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Remote Camera
Bob Brink
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Still Photography
Po Chun Lau
Digital Studio Services
Bright White Productions
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Site Preparation
Roy Noseworthy
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Voice of Alfred Moores Jr.
Recorded By MacEdward Leach (1950s)
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Commentary
Todd LeGrow, Colin LeGrow
Roy Noseworthy, Ken Pittman
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Music
The Waterwitch Song - performed by Joedy Wall
published by James Murphy (1905)
In 2015, The Pouch Cove Heritage Society, with the generous assistance of the people of Pouch Cove and surrounding area, produced a short film - 'The Wreck of the Waterwitch'.
A reenactment of the heroic rescue at Horrid Gulch over 140 years ago.
We are pleased to share this piece of history with you and hope you enjoy.
The Provincial Historic Commemoration
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The Provincial Historic Commemorations Program recognizes and commemorates distinctive aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador's history, culture and heritage.
On June 8, 2011 the rescues associated with the Waterwitch shipwreck received one of six new designations under the program in a ceremony at The Rooms in St. John’s.
The designation was under the category of
"Rescue at Sea and the Heroism associated with such Events".
The announcements were made by Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.
For Reference
Horrid Gulch
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This is the site of the Waterwitch shipwreck.
Can you imagine what it was like to be clinging to these rocks during a raging blizzard?
Or think of the bravery of the rescuers, especially Mr. Alfred Moores, as he was lowered down the cliff.
What was the Waterwitch ?
On November 29, 1875 the schooner Waterwitch was heading to her home port of Cupids from St. John's when it encountered a raging storm and ran aground in the Horrid Gulch, just north of Pouch Cove.
A group of brave Pouch Cove men went off into the storm and performed a heroic rescue which included lowering Mr. Alfred Moores down the cliff by a rope in order to carry the people to safety. He was ultimately awarded a medal and diploma by the Royal Humane Society.
Read a history of the Waterwitch as reproduced from
'A History of the Town of Pouch Cove',
by Marilyn Sullivan and Kathie Billard, 1978
On June 8, 2011, the rescues associated with the Waterwitch shipwreck received one of six new designations under the Provincial Historic Commemorations Program.