The SS Volund.  Photo from Wreckhunter.net

The SS Volund was a 239-foot long iron and wood tramp steamer that was sunk by way of collision with the passenger steamer Commonwealth on September 26, 1908. The Norwegian flag steamer was powered by both steam and sail, making her a unique vessel in her day. The ship was constructed in 1899 in Bergen, Norway and owned by Q & A Irgens and Co. The Volund’s main function was to transport plaster from Newberg to Windsor, Nova Scotia. In the early morning hours of September 26, the Commonwealth, the flagship passenger steamer out of Fall River, struck the Volund on her port side. Both ships were traveling in heavy fog. It was alleged that the Commonwealth was traveling too fast – about 13 knots, which would have been ill-advised in dense fog. The steamer began to sink quickly, though the crew of the Commonwealth readily assisted the Volund and all 14 of the striken vessel’s crew were rescued. The Volund sank bow first in about 105’ of water off Race Rock.

The NOAA vessel Thomas Jefferson discovered the wreck on October 9, 2003 and it’s identity was subsequently confirmed by divers who first visited the wreck on October 17, just one week later. Today the Volund sits upright and partially intact in an area known as “The Race”. Extremely strong currents require that this wreck be dived only at slack tide. The area is known for boat traffic, which also warrants caution when diving the wreck. The wreck is relatively clean of entanglements and easy to navigate. A fine silt covers most everything so it is easy to disturb the visibility. The visibility appears to vary tremendously, ranging from 5-30 feet depending on conditions and season. The status of the wreck with respect to “protection” is unclear so divers should be sure to check and follow whatever local guidelines are in place before removing artifacts.

Wreck Photos:

Fittings and valves litter the wreck site - most are steel however.

One of two stern anchors (left) and a deck winch at right.

The auxiliary helm station located in the stern (left) and the rudder (right).

More views of the large propeller.

Inside a hold area, silt fills much of the interior (left) and remnants of superstructure (right).

More vents and valves covered in anemones (left) and debris including dishware scattered about (right).

For additional information see:

Mark Munro’s website – http://soundunderwatersurvey.com/SUS/Wrecks/volund.htm

Dave Clancy’s website – http://www.wreckhunter.net

Multi-beam sonar image (left) and side scan sonar image (right) from NOAA:

Bathymetry of wreckage from NOAA via Mark Munro:

Email us at wreckdivers@northernatlanticdive.com for more information

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