History of the Schooner CHRISTINA (or CHRISTIANA)

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: CHRISTINA (or CHRISTIANA)

•Year Built: Not specified

•Vessel Type: Schooner

•Owner: Likely registered in Sarnia, Ontario

•Final Location: Near Wellington, Lake Ontario

•Date of Loss: September 26, 1851 (some sources suggest October 1851)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHRISTINA was a wooden Schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Designed for transporting cargo such as timber and agricultural products, schooners were favoured for their simplicity, cargo capacity, and adaptability to the varying conditions of the Great Lakes. Schooners like the CHRISTINA were essential for supporting the economic growth of the region, particularly in transporting raw materials.

HISTORY

The CHRISTINA set out on what would become its final voyage in late September 1851, laden with timber, one of the era’s most valuable and essential cargoes. While navigating Lake Ontario near Wellington, the vessel was caught in a severe gale. Storms on Lake Ontario were notorious for their sudden onset and violent nature, posing a constant threat to even the most experienced sailors.

During the storm, the CHRISTINA capsized, and all 11 people aboard perished. The sinking resulted in a significant financial loss estimated at $3,000—a substantial amount for the time, particularly for a vessel transporting valuable timber. The incident underscores the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the mid-19th century, where unpredictable weather and rudimentary safety measures frequently led to tragedies.

The storm that claimed the CHRISTINA was part of a broader pattern of maritime losses during this period, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. The loss of the vessel and its crew left a lasting mark on the maritime history of Lake Ontario, remembered in regional historical accounts.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CHRISTINA capsized and sank near Wellington, Lake Ontario. Despite the significance of the loss, the exact location of the wreck has not been documented, and it is unknown if any salvage efforts were undertaken. The vessel’s remains likely lie beneath the waters of Lake Ontario, undiscovered and unexplored.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically tied to the wreck of the CHRISTINA, as its precise location is unknown. However, mariners in the vicinity of Wellington, Lake Ontario, should be aware of potential submerged hazards, given the historical presence of wrecks in the area.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides historical records and context for vessels like the CHRISTINA that operated on the Great Lakes.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains archival information on shipwrecks, including the CHRISTINA.
• 3D Shipwrecks: Offers visual documentation and resources for exploring shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Focuses on the preservation of underwater cultural heritage, including wrecks like the CHRISTINA.
• Library and Archives Canada: A valuable resource for historical documents and records related to Canadian maritime history.
• Buffalo Daily Courier Archives: H

CONCLUSION

The story of the Schooner CHRISTINA is a somber reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and vessels navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Its tragic loss during a storm near Wellington in 1851 highlights the challenges of maritime trade and the unpredictable nature of Lake Ontario. Though the wreck remains undiscovered, the incident serves as an enduring testament to the resilience and sacrifices of those who braved the Great Lakes’ waters during this era.

Keywords: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Lake Ontario, Schooner CHRISTINA, Timber Trade, 19th Century Shipping, Wellington Ontario, Shipwreck Resilience.KEYWORDS

christina Schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, 1851 great lakes disaster, wellington Lake Ontario, timber Schooner wreck, british-registered vessel, great lakes maritime history