Tales from the Sea

Shipwrecks buried deep below the sea hold the key to a treasure full of secrets.

Lives lost and lives saved in the battle between Seafarers and Mother Nature, are a rich part of the Island’s history and folklore. Below are some of the more notable shipwrecks surrounding PEI.

The Marco Polo was a 1,626 ton, 56 meter, three-decked sailing ship. Known as the “World’s Fastest Clipper Ship,” she was the most famous of all maritime-built ships. On July 25, 1883 she was caught in a terrible storm with strong winds and heavy rain. Becoming waterlogged and standing no chance against the incoming water, the vessel was beached 300 yards ashore at Cavendish.

The HMCS Assiniboine was one of the least dramatic shipwrecks of PEI with no loss of life. Sold for scrap metal, the vessel never made it to her final destination. She was wrecked off the shore at East Point.

The HMS Phoenix hit a rock reef at full force off the shore at East Point. Captain Grenfell and his crew’s efforts to save the vessel failed and would, in return, end the Captain’s career.

The Fairy Queen carried government mail on a regular route between Charlottetown and Pictou, Nova Scotia. During the sail, the steering rope severed, however, the crew from the boiler room managed to repair it but forgot to keep the boiler’s fires going. With the loss of power and the wind picking up, the vessel became unmanageable. Seven people perished in the wreck.

The Welcome was at sea fishing mackerel when the jib and main sail gave away. Due to the condition of her sails, the amount of headway the vessel could make was limited. Unable to escape tragedy from ferocious high waves, wind and rain, the vessel was doomed. The bodies of five men were recovered from the wreck.