The Loss Of The Marion Rogers

(The Fisherman's Advocate, December 2, 1938, page 5)

The people of the North side of Trinity Bay were shocked this week to learn of the loss of the schooner "Marion Rogers" whilst attempting to enter Trinity Harbour in the storm of Sunday night last. Seven men went to watery graves as a result of the loss of the schooner.

The first message, reporting the disaster, was received by the Chief of Police, at St. John's, from the constable at Trinity, who stated that the Schooner "Marion Rogers" was a total wreck and that portions of her cargo had been picked up at various places around Trinity Harbour.

The schooner struck the rocks near the Fort Point Lighthouse, at the entrance to Trinity, where there is also a fog alarm.

Particulars as to whether the schooner was bound from St. John's direct to Trinity, or to New Bonaventure, T. B., are indefinite. She may have been bound to New Bonaventure, but weather conditions may have necessitated the Master, in attempting to harbour at Trinity. It is said that most of her cargo was the property of Mr. Wm. J. Butler, who operates a business at Bonaventure, and who was a passenger on the schooner and lost his life, Mr. Edward McGrath, of Trinity, was also a passenger.

The public dispatch from St. John's on Wednesday, is reaction to the incident reads as follows:

"No trace has been found of the members of the crew of the ill-fated schooner Marion Rogers, which struck the rocks near the lighthouse at the entrance to Trinity on Sunday night last. The members of the crew were William Hogarth, Master, and his son Lester of Trinity East, Alfred Pitcher and son Simeon of New Bonaventure, T.B., William J. Butler, also of New Bonaventure, Ellis Butler of Port Rexton and Edward McGarth of Trinity."

The two Butler men were brothers, Mrs. George Gullage, of East Point, Catalina, is a sister of the Butler brothers.

To all the bereaved The Advocate extends deppest symathy (sic) in their tragic sorrow.