The SS Havana was a notable steamship schooner built in 1891 at Hantsport, Nova Scotia, by George W. Churchill. Designed with a single deck and equipped with three masts, the vessel combined features of both schooners and steam-powered ships, reflecting its versatile use. She was owned by J.A. Farquhar & Co. and commanded by Captain James A. Farquhar. The ship's construction and design facilitated her dual roles in salvage operations and seal hunting. Throughout her service, Havana was involved in significant maritime activities. In 1905, under Farquhar's command, she participated in a salvage expedition to rescue the cable ship Colonial, which had stranded off Canso, Nova Scotia. Outfitted with a boiler, steam pumps, and wrecking gear, Havana successfully recovered Colonial, which was subsequently repaired at Halifax's dry dock. The vessel also undertook seal hunting expeditions in the Gulf of Port aux Basques, returning to Halifax in April 1906 with a cargo of over 6,200 seals. During this expedition, she suffered only minor ice damage to her rudder. In addition to her operational roles, Havana purchased the wreck of the schooner Alexander R., which contained a cargo of coal—though this venture proved less profitable. Her end came abruptly on the night of 26 April 1906, when she was anchored in Halifax Harbour. The schooner was struck broadside by the steel steamship SS Strathcona, which caused her to sink rapidly—within approximately ten minutes. The damage was severe, described as “if she were of matchwood,” and all crew members safely evacuated onto Strathcona. The sinking was attributed to the darkness of the night. Havana was insured for $11,000 at Lloyd’s. Notably, Captain Farquhar expressed regret over losing a sextant gifted by the British Admiralty, which was aboard Havana at the time of her sinking. Today, the remains of SS Havana rest just off Point Pleasant Park, serving as a maritime historical site that marks her diverse service and dramatic end.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.