| On 12 March 1980 while on a voyage from New Orleans, Louisiana to Sept-Iles, Quebec with a cargo of railway ties MAURICE DESGAGNES encountered high winds and heavy seas while approximately 75 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This caused the cargo to shift resulting in damage to the hull. Taking on water, a severe starboard list developed and the crew had to be removed by Canadian forces helicopters from HMCS HURON. Eighteen minutes after the last man was airlifted to safety the MAURICE DESGAGNES sank in a position 43.36N/62.22W.. - Skip Gillham.. |