Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project recognizes historic shipwreck discovery, including

the loss of 19 Nova Scotians, and the enduring contributions of merchant mariners past and present.

OTTAWA, CANADA | October 28, 2026 — The Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP) recognizes the historic discovery of the Canadian merchant vessel SS Cornwallis, located off the coast of Mount Desert Island, Maine, more than eight decades after its sinking during the Second World War.

On December 3, 1944, the Cornwallis, bound for Saint John, New Brunswick, was torpedoed by the German submarine U-1230 in the Gulf of Maine, claiming 43 lives, most of them Canadian. The vessel's wreckage was discovered on July 11, 2026, by the nine-member Nomad Exploration Team following a seven-year search.

The discovery received significant media attention on October 27, 2026, including reporting by Sabrina Martin of the Bangor Daily News, who contacted Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer of MNCTP, for historical perspectives on the tragedy, its impact on surviving families and descendants, and its significance to Canadian-American maritime heritage.

The MNCTP acknowledges Martin and the Bangor Daily News for their reporting, as well as the Nomad Exploration Team, whose dedication and perseverance led to the discovery of the vessel more than eight decades after its sinking.

Nova Scotia's Profound Connection to the SS Cornwallis

The tragedy holds particular significance for Nova Scotia, where 19 of the 43 victims had roots, according to reporting by the Bangor Daily News.

Among the Nova Scotians who lost their lives were:

• William Quilty, 24, a fireman from North Sydney, Cape Breton.
• James Bernard Edward MacDougall, 24, a fireman whose family lived in North Sydney, Cape Breton.
• John Joseph Walsh, 24, Chief Radio Officer, born in Halifax.
• Lawrence Douglas Cleveland, 26, Second Steward, from Liverpool.
• Joseph Gerald Comeau, 18, an ordinary seaman whose family lived in Little Brook, Digby County.
• James Albert Roy, 35, Boatswain, born in Westville, Pictou County.
• Roger Galloway Smith, 19, an ordinary seaman whose mother lived in Necum Teuch, Nova Scotia.

These individuals, identified in Veterans Affairs Canada's Canadian Virtual War Memorial, represent the extraordinary personal sacrifices made by Nova Scotia's maritime communities.

Also among the victims was Able Seaman Stephen Fowler, 43, originally from Newfoundland, whose wife, Laura Jane Wright, lived in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia.

For families across Cape Breton, mainland Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada, the loss extended far beyond the sinking itself. Parents, spouses, children and communities were left to carry the memory of those who never returned.

The discovery also carries personal significance for members of the Nomad Exploration Team. As reported by the Bangor Daily News, Nova Scotian diver Allan noted that one of the victims had grown up approximately ten miles from his own childhood home.

The discovery of the Cornwallis is therefore not simply an archaeological achievement. It is a powerful reconnection between Nova Scotia's maritime communities, their wartime history and the families who have preserved these memories for generations.

A Shared Canadian-American Maritime Legacy

The Cornwallis tragedy underscores the extraordinary risks faced by Allied merchant mariners and the vital role of North Atlantic shipping in sustaining the war effort. Its discovery also highlights the longstanding maritime relationship between Canada and the United States.

MNCTP's commemorative activities have included collaboration with the American Merchant Marine Veterans, strengthening cross-border recognition of the service and sacrifices of merchant mariners.

This shared history is also reflected in the sinking of the SS Athenia on September 3, 1939, when Canadian and American civilians were among the first victims of Germany's war at sea.

Today, September 3 is commemorated through Merchant Navy observances in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The MNCTP continues to advance the goal of universal recognition through a United Nations resolution establishing International Merchant Navy Day.

Remembering the Past, Recognizing Today's Seafarers

The Cornwallis discovery reinforces MNCTP's mission to connect historical remembrance with the present-day importance of merchant shipping and seafaring.

Commercial maritime transportation remains essential to international trade, economic prosperity, resilient supply chains, national defence and global security. The courage and commitment of wartime merchant mariners continue to resonate through the work of today's maritime professionals.

MNCTP advocates historical preservation, commemorative recognition, education and international cooperation to ensure that the contributions of merchant mariners, past and present, remain part of our collective historical consciousness.

A Call to Action: Preserve Their Stories, Honour Their Legacy

The MNCTP calls upon Canadians, Americans, maritime organizations, educational institutions, historians, veterans' associations and the public to help ensure that the sacrifices of merchant mariners are never forgotten.

Families and descendants of Merchant Navy veterans, particularly those connected to the SS Cornwallis, are encouraged to preserve and share photographs, personal accounts, documents and historical records that can help safeguard this important maritime heritage.

MNCTP also invites individuals and organizations to support September 3 Merchant Navy remembrance activities, strengthen Canadian-American commemorative cooperation, and advance international recognition of merchant mariners past and present.

Every story preserved, every life remembered and every generation

educated strengthens our shared maritime legacy.

About the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)

The MNCTP is a Canadian-led initiative dedicated to honouring Allied Merchant Navy veterans, preserving maritime heritage, and advancing national and international recognition of merchant mariners.

Through commemorative ceremonies, historical initiatives, partnerships and public education, MNCTP seeks to connect the sacrifices of previous generations with the essential contributions of today's global seafaring community.