This hand-coloured engraving depicts the composite screw sloop Phoenix on the morning of 13th September 1882 after being wrecked the previous day off East Point, Prince Edward Island, off Nova Scotia. The Phoenix is heeling to starboard with waves crashing over her port side and water sloshing from her starboard gun ports. Her sails are furled and some of her crew are along the main yard as well as on deck. The White Ensign flies from her stern, hoisted upside down as a signal of distress. Rocks are just visible on the left of the picture.