As the calendar turns to October 9, 2023, we commemorate a date etched in history, a date that marks one of the greatest stories of heroism ever recorded. On this very day, 156 years ago, Captain William Jackman threw himself into the icy waters off Labrador and orchestrated the miraculous rescue of 11 of the 27 crew members of a foundered ship, unassisted.
Captain Jackman’s heroism remains an awe-inspiring tale of bravery, born on the rugged shores of Newfoundland. Born in Renews on May 20, 1837, he hailed from a family of seafarers and took to the seas with a deep sense of duty and courage. His destiny would converge with destiny itself on October 9, 1867, as the Spotted Island, off the coast of Labrador, became the stage for his extraordinary act of selflessness.
The foundering ship, the Sea Slipper, with its desperate crew, faced the wrath of a merciless storm. Waves roared, and winds howled, creating a perilous environment that would test even the bravest of hearts. Yet, it was in this moment of utmost peril that Captain Jackman’s indomitable spirit shone brightly.
With unparalleled determination, he plunged into the frigid waters, swimming against the raging tempest to reach the vessel not just once, but eleven times. In those harrowing moments, he managed to rescue eleven people, proving that heroism knows no bounds.
As word of his valiant efforts spread, his crew joined him in this life-saving mission. They secured a rope around Captain Jackman’s waist, a lifeline that allowed him to make sixteen additional treacherous journeys to the sinking ship. Against all odds, he managed to save every single soul aboard the imperiled vessel.
For this extraordinary act of courage and humanity, Captain William Jackman received the medal and diploma of the Royal Humane Society on December 18, 1868. His selflessness became a beacon of hope and inspiration, and his name was forever etched into the annals of heroism.
Today, on the 156th anniversary of this remarkable rescue, we remember Captain Jackman not just as a seafaring captain but as a symbol of unwavering courage. His legacy lives on through the Captain William Jackman Hospital in Labrador City, a tribute to his incredible bravery.
Moreover, the community of Renews, his birthplace, continues to rally around his memory. Advocates like Mike Chidley, co-founder of the Captain William Jackman Heritage Society, have tirelessly worked to ensure that Captain Jackman’s legacy remains alive and celebrated. Their efforts to erect a monument in his honor stand as a testament to the enduring impact of his heroism.
Captain William Jackman’s story also finds expression in song and poetry, a testament to the timeless nature of his heroism. Though the author of the song remains unknown, its verses continue to resonate with the spirit of bravery that Captain Jackman embodied.
As we reflect on this anniversary, we are reminded that heroism, like Captain Jackman’s, transcends time and place. It serves as an enduring testament to the human capacity for selflessness, courage, and compassion. Captain William Jackman’s legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that even in the darkest of hours, ordinary individuals can perform extraordinary feats.
Today, we honor Captain William Jackman, a Newfoundland hero whose name shall forever shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.