French Ship-of-The Line ''Pelican''

By Crusader1307

The French Warship “Pelican” was built in 1693. She was part of a Military Expedition of 3 other French Warships, sent to Hudson Bay, New York (then New France) – to contest British interests of The Bay. As a “Ship-of-The Line”, “Pelican” displaced 500 tons and was 120 feet long. Nearly 40 feet tall (beam), she was armed with 50 cannon. Becoming separated from the rest of The French Fleet, “Pelican” ran into The British Navy. Despite being outgunned, “Pelican” won the battle. This was not without cost. She was severely damaged (so much that she was run aground on the shores of Hudson Bay (to escape capture). She rotted away over the centuries. In 1992, (based on detailed ship building records), a full sized replica of “Pelican” was built. Christened “Pelican II”, she serves as a Floating Museum. Owned by a private organization in Canada, “Pelican II” was sold to The State of Louisiana in 1995 (for a whopping 15 million USD!). However, true to any supposed “curse” involved with the bad luck of “re-naming” a Ship with an existing Ship's name – this “Pelican” was indeed “bad luck”. She sank in 2002 (unknown cause). Re-floated, she was hit and sunk yet again by a Tugboat. Due to the cost, The State decided not to raise her. “Pelican” became a hazard to shipping in The Gulf. Her hull was eventually moved out to deeper water and sank. Not much is left today save a Historical Marker.