Churchill photographer Katie de Meulles was able to capture these haunting yet beautiful images of the iconic Ithaca shipwreck. The ship lays grounded on the rocky sea – bed 12 miles east of town in Bird Cove. When the ship grounded it was being operated by the Clarke Steamship Company to deliver nickel from Rankin Inlet. She was sailing on return north filled with supplies for the settlement when the ships rudder fractured in 80 mph winds. When the anchors failed she ran aground on September 14th, 1960 and never moved again. All 37 crew and passengers aboard were rescued. Because the Hudson Bay is shallow along coastal areas the waves are less likely to break old wrecks apart during storms.
These intriguing shots are unique with the northern lights glimmering above the rusting hulk.The beauty blends with the symbol of tragedy to stir mixed emotions in the viewer!
MV Ithaca in Churchill. Katie de Meulles photo.
Northern lights above the MV Ithaca. Katie de Meulles photo.
Erie view of the MV Ithaca in Churchill. Katie de Meulles photo.
Darkened mass of the MV Ithaca in Churchill. Katie de Meulles photo.
MV Ithaca with glowing aurora borealis in the sky above. Katie de Meulles photo.
MV Ithaca with a strand of northern lights behind. Katie de Meulles photo.
MV Ithaca under the aurora borealis in Churchill. Katie de Meulles photo.
