Here’s the structured entry for the Centurion wreck:

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Type of Wreck: Wooden Schooner

•Location: Off False Duck Islands, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Exact coordinates not specified

•Dimensions:

•Length: 79 ft (24 m)

•Beam: 19 ft (5.8 m)

•Depth: 7 ft (2.1 m)

•Gross Tonnage: 105 tons (after 1871 remeasurement)

•Net Tonnage: 87 tons

•Site Status: Sank on December 25, 1874; reported as a Total Loss

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Centurion was a wooden Schooner built in 1863 by L. Stevens in Presque Isle, Ontario. As a two-masted, sail-powered vessel with a single Deck, it was typical of schooners operating during the 19th century, designed to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. Its compact size and versatile design made it integral to regional trade and commerce.

HISTORY

Early Years:

•Construction: Built in 1863 and registered in Brighton, Ontario.

•Ownership: Initially owned by E. George of Presque Isle, the Centurion served in the transportation of goods across Lake Ontario.

Key Events:

•1871: Remeasured to a Gross Tonnage of 105 tons.

•September 1874 Incident:

•The Schooner suffered damage near Amherst Island, resulting in the loss of 20,000 feet of lumber.

•Financial losses were significant: $1,600 for the Hull and $3,000 for the cargo.

•Details of the incident remain sparse, but it highlights the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage:

•December 25, 1874: The Centurion sank off False Duck Islands while transporting a cargo of iron ore.

•Crew Rescue: Despite the ship’s loss, the crew survived by enduring six hours in an open boat before being rescued and brought to Kingston.

The sinking marked the end of the Centurion’s service and added to the historical list of shipwrecks in the perilous waters around the False Duck Islands.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Centurion was declared a Total Loss after its sinking on December 25, 1874. Its remains are believed to lie submerged near the False Duck Islands, a treacherous area for ships during the 19th century. The exact location of the wreck is undetermined, and no modern searches have confirmed its precise resting place.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Centurion wreck site. However, mariners navigating near the False Duck Islands should exercise caution due to the historical presence of shipwrecks and underwater hazards in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The Centurion has not been precisely located, and its exact resting place remains undocumented. Historical accounts provide general details about its loss near the False Duck Islands.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Donald V. Baut Detroit & St. Clair River Towing Association

•Canadian Sessional Papers

•C. Patrick Labadie Collection

KEYWORDS

Centurion, Wooden Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, False Duck Islands, 1874 Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Iron Ore Cargo.

ANALYSIS

The Centurion illustrates the importance of schooners to the economic and trade development of the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its history reflects the challenges of navigating these waters, including cargo losses, accidents, and ultimate shipwrecks.

The Schooner’s final journey, marked by the successful rescue of its crew despite severe winter conditions, emphasizes both the dangers of maritime life and the resilience of sailors during this era. While its wreck remains undiscovered, the Centurion serves as a significant reminder of the risks and rewards of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce.