Colborne Park

Wreck of the Colborne

While in Port-Daniel-Gascons, stroll along the sea and visit the Colborne Park, a site commemorating the tragic sinking of an English vessel in 1838.

On Thursday, October 16, 1838, the bark Colborne, built and launched in Montreal only for months ago, bound for Quebec, struck and instantly heeled out, about 1 a.m. between Point Macrow and l'Anse au Gascon, 7 miles below Port Daniel. The sea was so heavy that it washed over her, sweeping off all hands but 12 out of 54 persons, including crew and passengers.

Three people stuck to the rigging, although the ship was on her beam ends. They were taken off about 7 o'clock a.m. The others, who got to the rigging, were so exhausted that they dropped off before assistance could be obtained. The vessel drifted two leagues from the land. The captain Kent and first mate were among the persons lost. Those saved were the second mate (the only surviving officer), with 8 of the crew and 3 passengers.

The second mate reached Port Daniel, in the afternoon, where he gave notice of the calamity. Two schooners put off for the wreck. Captain Caldwell, of the schooner Phoenix, saw the ship wrecked at the entrance of the Bay of Chaleur. The Colborne had a general cargo onboard, consisting of spirits, palm oil, tallow, with many other articles, including and £7,000 in specie. In her first voyage, she took a cargo of timber to England.

The Colborne sailed from London for Quebec on the 30th August, being the last ship from London for the season.

Today, the park Colborne is located at the place, welcoming guests with history.