The Northern Light, Wed. Jan 14, 1981

Phantom Ship Recorded On Film For The First Time

The occasional sightings of ghost ships or phantom ships are a universal phenomenon.

New Brunswick's Bay Chaleur, however, seems to be a rather popular haven for the sailing of a specific unidentified, full-rigged ship.

For well over the past 200 years the Bay has hosted a fire-ship's regular occurrences. There are many documented sightings of this infamous apparition.

Kevin mann Jr., a local high school teacher, may be the only person to have captured tangible evidence of this preternatural phenomenon. Under extremely poor photographig conditions, he was able to record his sighting on film.

The Grade 12 Language Arts teacher was staying at the Youghall beach family cottage situated on the shores of the Baie de Chaleur last fall. While correcting English essays late into the night of October 10th, Kevin peered out across the Bay only to take a quick double look.

"About three or four miles out, there was a fiery mass that seemed to bob in the water" recalls Kevin Mann.

"Looking through my binoculars I was able to identify a structure with 3 spires that had the appearance of being entirely engulfed in red-orange flames. Instinctively I grabbed my camera and began clicking away."

The accompanying photograph is one of the several shots taken that night by Kevin. This is the first photograph ever taken of the Phantom Ship of the Bay Chaleur.

"It was a clear, crisp autumn night. The Top level of the sand was beginning to freeze. I certainly was not prepared for night photography. I didn't have my tripod and I had Kocacolor film in my camera with the relatively slow speed of 100 ASA."

By bracing his camera on the cement breakwater near the shoreline he was able to take several pictures at different time exposures.

"It is remarkable that anything came out at all," states Kevin, as he explains his one of a kind print.

"The photo has a more dramatic effect in color. On the right, one can see the white lights of the Salmon Beach to Janeville area. Then swinging to the left, can be seen the triple red-orange light phenomenon that people refer to as the Phantom Ship.

"Naturally, I checked with the neighbors, who are few and far between at Youghall beach that time of the year. Those who were awake at the time, had observed exactly what I photographed."

Kevin could be considered a reliable witness if anyone could be considered such.

"I am a real cynic when it comes to ghosts and U.F.O. sightings and the like. I won't even admit that I saw the Phantom Ship. What I saw and photographed was a light manifestation that I believe to be what other sighters have seen."

Kevin claims science will someday soon explain why this phenomenon occurs.

"It is probably the result of marine phosphorescence. Perhaps too, the coal deposits in the sea bed may release gas through fissures. Another natural possibility could be simply a mirage. Different layers of atmospheric pressures accompanied with constant temperatures within a certain range can bring about what is known as an aquatic mirage."

The Acadians have referred to it as "Le feu du mauvais temps" or "bad weather fire" since it has often appeared before a storm. However, sightings have taken place at all times of the year in all kinds of different weather conditions.

Kevin Mann Jr., always an avid local history buff has discovered since his sighting many of the area's senior citizens to be valuable history sources, as they have offered different explanations for the Phantom Ship of the Bay Chaleur.

It is interesting that Lameque and Miscou Islanders refer to this happening as the "John Craig Light", after a full rigged ship sunk near there over 200 years ago. Legend has it that Sandy Campbell, a Shippagan harbor pilot saved the John Craig's cabin boy by swimming to save him. It is now considered to be a warning light by the area's fishermen.

There is another equally intriguing story that attempts to explain the origin of this spectacle. It happened just about the same time as the John Craig sinking. In 1760, the last Naval encouter of the Seven Years War occurred in Bay Chaleur, at the mouth of the Restigouche River. Several hiding French war ships were destroyed by British frigates. The story goes that several captured seamen were accidentally burned alive. Some people say that it is that ship people see yet today.

Acadian fishermen in the "upshore" Petit Rocher area claim this ghostly vision is the return of a seventeenth century brig that ran aground just off Pointe Verte.

"One gruesome tale states that whenever the Phantom Ship appears someone in the village ashore will die," recounts Kevin.

"In 1838, the "Cobourne" had just made an Atlantic crossing from London when it ran into a severe storm in the Chaleur Bay before reaching the Port of Bathurst. The ship never arrived at "the points" of Youghall and Carron Point as it sunk taking down with her most of the 55- crew members. It is believed that this ship still haunts the Bay Chaleur."

"One of the more interesting accounts related to me was by a senior citizen of East Bathurst. She told me that her grand-mother had told her of a ship docked at the East Bathurst Wharf. Apparently, on one particular night, the ship's sailors fell into drunken debauchery, terrorizing some of the female inhabitants of that community. The following day the ship set sail and exploded into flames just off the New Bandon coast. According to her this act of God was a form of punishment. The Bathurst woman stated that this is a reminder to all the "young folk today."

Whatever its origin or meaning, Kevin believes that the legend of the Phantom Ship of the Bay Chaleur is a valuable part of the Northern New Brunswick heritage.

"It is many things for different people - A mirage; a ghost ship that passes in the night, a specter of a wreck or disaster or an omen of a tragedy. Although I see this phenomenon from a scientific perspective, I value it as part of our very rich folklore. It is part of the myths, tales and legends that have chilled and delighted generations of North Shore residents. So much has yet to be done to bring about an awareness of our history, our oral and written traditions to the forefront of our culture," states Kevin.

Certainly, Kevin's personal testimony and photographs will help further substantiate this mysterious light phenomenon and help promote a colorful legend that compares with the European "Flying Dutchman."