AURORA (pre-1844, Schooner)

Identification & Site Information:

•Vessel Name: AURORA

•Year of Build: Before 1844

Construction and Ownership

•Vessel Type: Schooner

•Hull Materials: Wood

•Number of Decks: 1

Vessel Type

The Aurora was a wooden-hulled Schooner built before 1844, typical of the small, versatile vessels used for transporting goods and passengers across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Aurora were widely used for their efficiency in carrying bulk goods such as lumber, grain, and other materials along the lake’s trade routes.

History

The Aurora operated on Lake Ontario, a vital waterway for commerce during the 19th century. Unfortunately, on May 2, 1844, while sailing on Lake Ontario, the Aurora was caught in a gale. The strong winds and rough seas caused the Schooner to capsize. Tragically, two lives were lost in the accident.

The precise cause of the capsizing is not documented, but weather-related disasters were a common hazard for schooners on the Great Lakes, especially during the unpredictable spring months when sudden gales could overwhelm even experienced crews.

Final Disposition

The Aurora capsized and sank on May 2, 1844, in Lake Ontario. The incident resulted in the loss of two lives. There is no documentation of salvage efforts, so it is assumed the vessel remains in Lake Ontario.

Located By & Date

There are no known modern efforts to locate the wreck of the Aurora. Given the age of the wreck and its small size, any remains would likely be buried under sediment or otherwise deteriorated.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No navigational advisories or hazards are currently associated with the wreck of the Aurora. However, Lake Ontario is known for having numerous historical wrecks, many of which lie undiscovered.

Resources & Links

For further research on the Aurora and similar shipwrecks:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks

The Aurora is one of many schooners that faced the perils of the Great Lakes, where sudden storms often resulted in disaster for even the most experienced sailors.