THE BERMUDIANA COMMEMORATIVE COIN

We are delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BMA with a special commemorative coin. Crafted into the shape of a triangle, the design features a compass rose and depicts the main islands which make up the Bermudian archipelago.

The Constellation was a four masted, wooden hulled schooner, which was owned by Intercontinental Steamship Lines Inc. of New York and served as a cargo vessel in World War II. On 19 July 1943 she set sail from New York Harbour headed for Venezuela under the command of Captain Neavers. She was carrying a cargo which included Johnny Walker whiskey, drums of alkali, Argo oil (for salad dressing), antique furniture, plates, phonograph records, cement, cosmetics, religious articles, and pharmaceuticals.

On 22 July the ship developed a leak and, despite the use of hand pumps, the situation grew worse and the decision was made to head for Bermuda. The Captain was unfamiliar with Bermuda’s waters and headed for the focal point of Gibbs Hill Light but, unfortunately, the ship struck the reefs at 2.10 p.m. Tug boats from Bermuda were sent out to the ship and all of the crew were safely rescued.