SEAHORSE CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Maritime Archaeological Research, Consulting & Diving Services
HMS FANTOME WRECK SITE (BcCw-4)
On November14, 1814, the HMS Fantome and two schooners being escorted in convey by the Fantome from Castine Maine to Halifax grounded on Shag Bay Breakers. Although the wrecking of the Fantome was a tragic event, there was no loss of life. In recent times the Fantome Wreck site became the focal point of a treasure hunting controversy during which a great deal of misinformation associated with the wrecking event and the history of the Fantome was generated in the media.
A research based project was undertaken to delineate the extent of the Fantome Wreck site and to provide a fact based historical account of the events leading up to the wrecking event as well as an analysis of the wrecking event. During 2013, Seahorse Cultural Resource Management Services director Jonathan Kyte was awarded the Nova Scotia Museum Marine History Research Grant to carry out the work. The project provided an unbiased and accurate account of the history of the Fantome and the wrecking event and provided baseline information on the site for future monitoring and stewardship programs for the site.
Above: Line drawing showing the body plan and longitudinal half-breath of the captured brig, LE FANTOME (1810). National Maritime Museum ship plan #ZAZ4249-J4571, (1811).
Above: Plan showing the upper deck and lower deck with for and aft platforms for LE FANTOME (1810). National Maritime Museum ship plan #ZAZ4250-J4570, (1811).
