The Wreck of the Waterwitch
A Short Film
Directed By
Ken Pittman
Rescue Re-enactment
Technical Rope & Rescue Inc.
Camera & Digital Production
Darrell Redmon
Research & Consultant
Po Chun Lau
Illustrations By
Ken Pittman
Remote Camera
Bob Brink
Still Photography
Po Chun Lau
Digital Studio Services
Bright White Productions
Site Preparation
Roy Noseworthy
Voice of Alfred Moores Jr.
Recorded By MacEdward Leach (1950s)
Commentary
Todd LeGrow, Colin LeGrow
Roy Noseworthy, Ken Pittman
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
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
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.