The brig James Stewart was wrecked in Arkill Bay during a force ten easterly gale (a malfunctioning compass was also given as part of the reason for the brig straying off course). She dropped anchor in Arkill Bay, a safe anchorage with westerly winds, but a certain death trap in an easterly gale. Her anchor cable parted almost immediately, and she was swept onto the shore by which time a large crowd of islanders had assembled. Their first thought was the rescue of the 13 man crew, all of whom were saved with just minutes to spare. As soon as this was accomplished the islanders turned their attention to the wreckage which was being scattered along the shore. The James Stewart was on passage from Greenock to Newfoundland with a cargo of sugar.

 Diving information – It is known that a number of vessels were wrecked in the vicinity of Arkill Bay and no doubt the James Stewart was one of them but her exact location is not known. A number of wreck site have been found in this area but no wreck has been positively identified.

The tidal current in the bay runs to the north at about 3 knots. It is best to dive after the first three hours of ebb when it is much slacker. the depth ranges from about 3m to 20m further offshore. Most wreckage has been found in 5/10m. The seabed is mostly kelp interspersed with sandy patches. Arkill is the Irish word for anchorage. This was the only safe anchorage on the east side of the island.