A strong candidate has emerged as the possible answer to the identity of a mystery shipwreck exposed at Cape Ray in 2024.
The massive beams and hull are believed to have been buried and preserved in the sand for years, but heavy seas exposed the wreck to the delight of local residents and shipwreck enthusiasts.
The provincial archaeology office commissioned Dr. Amanda Crompton in 2025 to conduct a desk-based study to identify underwater archaeological resources around the island.
During her work, Dr. Crompton identified historical records for a vessel that the office says “is about as good a candidate for the Cape Ray wreck as we are ever likely to find.”
Via Shawn Bath on Facebook
The three-masted barque Lotus, built in New Brunswick in 1842 was deliberately run aground at Cape Ray on May 19th, 1872, two days after striking Shag Island, breaking off her rudder and taking on water.
There was no reported loss of life. The ship later dragged her anchor, but was retrieved by crew members who grounded her. All valuable material was stripped from the ship and sold at auction.
(Submitted photo)
The archaeology office calls the Lotus a “reasonably good candidate for the Cape Ray wreck, as the wreck emerged in the area where she was grounded. The size and measurements of the wreck are also comparable to the Lotus, however the office says caution is necessary as there may be other potential candidates given the large number of shipwrecks in the area.
The provincial archaeology office says it’s likely that we’ll “never know the identity of the Cape Ray wreck with certainty.”
