The SS Anglo Saxon was an iron screw steamship constructed in 1856 by William Denny and Brothers of Dumbarton, Scotland. Designed for oceanic passenger and cargo service, she was operated by the Montreal Ocean Steamship Company, primarily on the Liverpool-Canada route. The vessel’s construction featured an iron hull and was powered by a screw propeller, reflecting the maritime technology advancements of the mid-19th century. On her final voyage, the Anglo Saxon was commanded by Captain William Burgess. She departed Liverpool for Quebec on April 16, 1863, carrying a total of 445 people, including 360 passengers and 85 crew members. The voyage was destined for the North American coast, but tragedy struck in dense fog on April 27, 1863. The ship ran aground in Clam Cove, approximately four miles north of Cape Race, Newfoundland. The impact caused the vessel to break apart within an hour, leading to her sinking. The wreck resulted in a devastating loss of life, with 237 individuals perishing in the disaster, marking it as one of Canada's worst maritime tragedies. Among the survivors was Anne Bertram, notable for being the sister of future Canadian Members of Parliament John Bertram and George Hope Bertram. She was traveling with Charlotte Hope, daughter of Scottish agriculturalist George Hope. The wreck of the SS Anglo Saxon highlights the perils of maritime navigation in foggy conditions during the era and underscores the risks faced by mid-19th-century transatlantic passenger ships. Her sinking remains a significant event in Canadian maritime history, illustrating the dangers of maritime travel and the importance of navigation safety during that period.

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