Cross, loaded to her scuppers with a cargo of 17,000 seals, foundered in a storm off Trepassey Bay, carrying down one hundred and seventy stalwarts, "pick of a Viking race."
The bodies of the Newfoundland's crew recovered by the Bellaventure from the ice were assembled at the Seamen's Institute on Water Street, St. John's, and were later transported in sleighs to the railway station. All the east coast was thrown into mourning by these twin disasters. Whole settlements were robbed of their able-bodied men. One hamlet which had sent twelve sons to the seal fishery received back only one. A fund of $300,000 was contributed by Newfoundland, Canada, the United States and England to provide for the families of those who perished on the floes and in the sea.
The Seamen's Institute, whose patron is King George the Fifth, is the first building of importance which the visitor passes on ascending from the steamer landing to Water Street. Dr. Wilfred Grenfell was the instigator of this enterprise which received support from many of his American friends. The cost of the edifice was $180,000. It was inaugurated in December, 1912. Lodgings are provided at 20 to 35 cents a night. There are reading and game rooms and special conference halls for captains of vessels, for sealers and members of the Royal Navy. The Institute is also headquarters for ship-wrecked crews which are
