''Violet'' was a ship used to deport
Acadians
The Acadians (french: Acadiens , ) are an ethnic group descended from the French who settled in the New France colony of Acadia during the 17th and 18th centuries. Most Acadians live in the region of Acadia, as it is the region where the des ...
from
ÃŽle Saint-Jean (
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI; ) is one of the thirteen Provinces and territories of Canada, provinces and territories of Canada. It is the smallest province in terms of land area and population, but the most densely populated. The island has seve ...
) to France, as part of the
ÃŽle Saint-Jean Campaign during the
Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War (1756–1763) was a global conflict that involved most of the European Great Powers, and was fought primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Other concurrent conflicts include the French and Indian War (1754†...
. The ship sank in the North Atlantic on 12 December 1758, with the loss of 280–400 lives.
''Violet'' was a ship of 315 tons and 8 cannons, under command of Captain Benjamin Suggit.
Together with ''
Duke William
''Duke William'' was a full-rigged ship, ship which served as a troop transport at the Siege of Louisbourg (1758), Siege of Louisbourg and as a deportation ship in the ÃŽle Saint-Jean Campaign of the Expulsion of the Acadians during the Seven Year ...
'', ''John'', ''Samuel'', ''Neptune'', {{ship, , Ruby, 1758 ship, 2, ''Yarmouth'', and another unknown ship, ''Violet'' was part of a fleet that left
on 25 November from Port-la-Joye, ÃŽle Saint-Jean (
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island (PEI; ) is one of the thirteen Provinces and territories of Canada, provinces and territories of Canada. It is the smallest province in terms of land area and population, but the most densely populated. The island has seve ...
) for France. On board ''Violet'' were some 360 Acadian civilians.
A few days later, the fleet encountered a storm that dispersed the ships. Stormy weather continued for several weeks. On 10 December ''
Duke William
''Duke William'' was a full-rigged ship, ship which served as a troop transport at the Siege of Louisbourg (1758), Siege of Louisbourg and as a deportation ship in the ÃŽle Saint-Jean Campaign of the Expulsion of the Acadians during the Seven Year ...
'' caught sight of ''Violet'', and discovered that she was in difficulties, taking in water fast. ''Violet'' sank two days later with all hands lost.
According to historian Earle Lockerby, 90 passengers had already died before from the appalling conditions on board. In the following days, ''
Duke William
''Duke William'' was a full-rigged ship, ship which served as a troop transport at the Siege of Louisbourg (1758), Siege of Louisbourg and as a deportation ship in the ÃŽle Saint-Jean Campaign of the Expulsion of the Acadians during the Seven Year ...
'' and ''
Ruby
A ruby is a pinkish red to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum ( aluminium oxide). Ruby is one of the most popular traditional jewelry gems and is very durable. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sa ...
'' also foundered with great loss of life.
Maritime incidents in 1758
Acadia
Acadian history
Maritime history of Canada