Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name, Sister Ships: ALBACORE (sister ship: ALBATROSS; later T.R. MERRITT).

• Type: Timber Schooner (“timber drougher”).

• Dimensions:

• Length: 137 feet (41.8 m).

• Width: 26 feet (7.9 m).

• Depth: 11 feet (3.4 m).

• Tonnage: 327 tons.

• Year Built: 1872.

• Builder: Muir Bros., Port Dalhousie, Ontario.

• Final Voyage:

• Date: September 12, 1900.

• Location: Discrepancies in reports; likely near Fort Bank East, Oswego, or Kingston, Ontario, Lake Ontario.

• Final Disposition: Driven into a seawall during a storm, broke up on impact.

• Cargo: Likely packages or bulk freight.

• Casualties: None; all crew members were rescued.

Vessel Type Description

The ALBACORE was a two-masted Schooner designed specifically as a “timber drougher” to haul large squared timbers. With its robust construction and significant tonnage, it was well-suited for transporting bulk cargo and packages across the Great Lakes.

History

Early Service

Built in 1872, the ALBACORE was an integral part of timber transportation, alongside its sister ship, the ALBATROSS. Known for their reliability in hauling lumber, the vessels were staples in the Great Lakes’ maritime commerce.

• June 1874: The ALBACORE collided with the Schooner BABINIAN in Kingston, incurring damages of $300.

• 1888: Ownership transferred to Captain Ewart of Colborne after the Muir Bros. sold the vessel.

Ownership and Operational Shifts

By 1900, ownership was shared by John Ewart and W.A. Bradshaw of Toronto. Captain Charles R. Redfern commanded the vessel during its final voyage, with a crew of five, including cook Mrs. Frazer.

Final Voyage and Loss

On September 12, 1900, a fierce storm swept across Lake Ontario, stranding the ALBACORE near Fort Bank East. The Schooner lost its sails, leaving it at the mercy of the winds and waves. Pounded onto a gravel bottom and ultimately driven into the seawall, the vessel broke apart under the strain.

• Rescue Efforts: Captain Anderson and the Kingston Lifesaving Service successfully evacuated the crew, ensuring no lives were lost.

• Salvage Attempts: The Tug J. NAVAGH attempted to salvage the Schooner but was unsuccessful due to the vessel’s extensive damage.

Legacy and Sister Ship

The ALBACORE’s loss occurred during the same storm that damaged its sister ship, the T.R. MERRITT. Neither vessel was insured, resulting in significant financial losses. The ALBACORE’s career, though marked by resilience, ended tragically, underscoring the perils faced by schooners on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The ALBACORE serves as a poignant example of the timber schooners that powered Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century. Despite its sturdy design and notable service, it succumbed to the unpredictable forces of nature. The vessel’s history remains a testament to the courage of its crew and the challenges of early maritime trade on Lake Ontario.