Naufrage, Prince Edward Island
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Naufrage is a community in Kings County, Prince Edward Island, Canada, in the northeast section of the province in Lot 43.[1]
"Naufrage" is the French word for shipwreck. The name stems from the numerous shipwrecks that occurred in the area, starting with the arrival of European settlers in 1719.[2]
Once a booming area of Irish Moss collection, Naufrage is known today for lobster and tuna fishing, and tourism.
Little is known about the early days of settlement in the Naufrage area. Prior to any French settlement there is evidence of Mi'Kmaq burial grounds near the Shipwreck Point Lighthouse.[3] After French settlement due to shipwrecks, Scottish settlers arrived in 1771 and 1772. Apart from a cemetery on the west side of Naufrage harbour,[4] little evidence remain of these earliest French residents.[3]
Shipwrecks
The name of the first French ship that brought settlers to the area is unknown today, and only its wreck date of 1719 remains. The Asia[5] was lost off of Naufrage in 1839. Between November 1 and November 8, 1906, four vessels wrecked near the Shipwreck Point lighthouse.[3] The Sovinto and the Orpheus were wrecked at Priest Pond,[6] while the Olga sank at Black Bush (present-day Hermanville). The Turret Bell sank at Cable Head.[6][3]
Fishing and industry
Up until the middle of the 20th century, small scale fishing was done up and down the northern coast of the Prince Edward Island, with several vessels departing from 15 small ports.[3] There were three lobster canneries located at Naufrage Harbour. Fisherman also caught, processed and cured herring, cod, mackerel, hake, and haddock. The canneries have closed, but Naufrage remains a popular place for lobster fishing, with over 100 boats fishing out of the harbour.[3]
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