Identification & Site Information

• Name: Brothers

• Type: Schooner

• Year Built: Pre-1845 (exact year unknown)

• Builder: Not documented

• Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck, two masts

• Tonnage: Approximately 10–20 tons (old measurement system)

• Original Owners: John and Charles McIntosh

• Final Voyage: February 14, 1845

• Final Location of Wreck: Approximately 25 miles below Niagara County, New York, Lake Ontario

• Final Disposition: Capsized during a storm with heavy ice; wreckage found on the American shore

• Casualties: All nine crew members and passengers presumed lost

Vessel Type Description

The Brothers was a small wooden Schooner typical of early 19th-century vessels that facilitated trade and transportation on Lake Ontario. With its modest tonnage, single Deck, and two masts, it was designed to carry light cargo and passengers between growing towns and cities along the lake’s shores. These schooners were integral to commerce, offering flexibility in the early development of regional trade routes.

History

Early Ownership and Service

The Brothers was owned by John and Charles McIntosh, two prominent maritime figures following the War of 1812. The vessel played a key role in their shipping operations, transporting goods and passengers across Lake Ontario. Historical records show John McIntosh captained the Brothers as early as 1832, while his brother Charles McIntosh captained other vessels, such as the Steamer Cobourg, until his death from cholera in 1834.

The Final Voyage

On February 14, 1845, the Schooner departed from Niagara, heading for Toronto with approximately 12 individuals on board. Despite severe weather conditions, including heavy ice and a building storm, the captain chose to proceed. Other vessels, like the steam Packet Transit, had opted to remain in port due to the treacherous conditions.

The Brothers was last sighted struggling through ice fields as violent winds and waves battered Lake Ontario. The Schooner capsized approximately 25 miles below Niagara County, New York. The wreckage was later discovered on the American shore, with the vessel found on its beam ends, the foremast missing, and no survivors.

The Aftermath

The sinking resulted in the presumed loss of all nine crew members and passengers. The event devastated the families and communities connected to the Brothers, underscoring the extreme risks of winter navigation on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The Brothers was lost in February 1845, capsized by a severe storm. The wreckage, found on the American shore of Lake Ontario, was heavily damaged, with the vessel lying on its beam ends and its foremast gone. No salvage was attempted, and the vessel was deemed a Total Loss.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist for the wreck, and its remains are not known to pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The wreckage was identified shortly after the incident in 1845, but the precise modern location of the remains has not been documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is presumed to have degraded significantly, given its wooden construction and the passage of nearly two centuries. The exact location of any remnants remains unknown, and no known exploration of the site has been conducted.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• “Town of York” by Edith G. Firth

Conclusion

The Brothers was emblematic of the small schooners that played a vital role in the economic development of the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its tragic loss in 1845, a result of winter storms and treacherous ice conditions, highlights the immense challenges faced by early mariners. The Schooner’s story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, serving as a sobering reminder of the risks of navigation and the sacrifices made in pursuit of commerce and connection.

Keywords

Brothers, Schooner, wooden Hull, Lake Ontario, John McIntosh, Charles McIntosh, maritime history, Great Lakes shipwreck, winter storm loss, Niagara County shipwreck.