Phoenix

Wreck Location

Just north of Colchester Shoal reef.

Description

The Phoenix was built in 1815 and was the second side-wheel steamer on Lake Champlain. She measured 146’ in length by 27’ wide and weighed 336 tons. The ship was on the Whitehall to St.Johns run on September 5, 1819 when, in the early morning hours, a fire broke out in the pantry that spread quickly and engulfed the wooden vessel. An alarm was given and 40 or the 46 passengers on board safely abandoned the burning ship. The Phoenix eventually descended into the cold waters of Lake Champlain after hitting the shoals of Colchester Reef.