IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

• Type: Schooner
• Purpose: The Blackbird was a modest-sized wooden Schooner, built in 1867, likely used for carrying cargo across the Great Lakes. The specific nature of the cargo and trade routes remains undocumented, but vessels of this type typically transported goods such as grain, lumber, or other bulk commodities.
• Name: Blackbird
• Year Built: Likely 1867
• Builder: R. Hooper, Wilkesport, Ontario
• Construction: Wood
• Dimensions: Approximately 76 feet in length, 20 feet in beam, 6 feet in depth
• Tonnage: 65 tons
• Location of Disappearance: Uncertain, Lake Ontario

HISTORY The Schooner Blackbird was constructed by R. Hooper in Wilkesport, Ontario, in 1867. Measuring 76 feet in length, the vessel was of a size typical for regional trade during the 19th century. Built of wood, the Blackbird would have been a workhorse of the lakes, plying the waters with a variety of goods. Despite its likely service history, little is known about the vessel’s operations or its ownership during its years of activity.

FINAL DISPOSITION The Blackbird went missing under mysterious circumstances. Historical records are vague, providing no definitive date or location for the vessel’s disappearance. The ship’s documentation was eventually surrendered as “out of existence” according to Canadian records, though no specific date was provided. The lack of information surrounding the Blackbird‘s loss has led to much speculation, with theories ranging from the ship succumbing to a storm to possible navigational errors or even foul play.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this vessel have been identified, as the exact circumstances and location of the loss remain unknown.

LOCATED BY & DATE

• Discovery: The Blackbird has not been located, and its wreckage remains undiscovered.
• Date: The date of the vessel’s disappearance is not documented.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Condition: Unknown, as the wreckage of the Blackbird has not been found.
• Accessibility: Not applicable due to the absence of a confirmed wreck site.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Additional Resources:
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes
  • David Swayze Shipwreck File
  • Toronto Telegram, 25 Nov 1933
• References:
  • Information compiled from the Maritime History of the Great Lakes, the David Swayze Shipwreck File, and historical accounts from the Toronto Telegram.

ANALYSIS The mysterious disappearance of the Blackbird leaves much to speculation. Possible causes for its loss could include severe weather, navigational errors, or even human factors such as foul play. The absence of survivors or clear documentation from the period adds to the enigma surrounding this vessel, making it a subject of continued interest for maritime historians and enthusiasts.

KEYWORDS: Blackbird Schooner, 1867, Wilkesport, Lake Ontario, maritime history, shipwreck, Great Lakes, missing vessel