Identification & Site Information. Wreck Name: Coaster

• Type of Wreck: Wooden Propeller Vessel
• Location: Near Stone Mills, close to Picton, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• Dimensions:
• •Length: 96 feet (29.3 meters)
• •Width: 17 feet (5.2 meters)
• •Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 70 tons
• Site Status: Vessel driven ashore and destroyed in November 1860.

Vessel Type Description

The Coaster was a small wooden propeller vessel, constructed in 1854 by A. Miller in Oswego, New York. Designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes, the vessel was modest in size but versatile, serving the critical trade routes of Lake Ontario. As part of a fleet that supported the bustling maritime economy of the mid-19th century, the Coaster facilitated the movement of goods between ports on both sides of the border.

History

The Coaster had a short but eventful career, reflecting the perils of maritime transportation on the Great Lakes during the era:

Construction and Early Service: Built in Oswego, New York, in 1854, the Coaster was a product of a region known for its shipbuilding. Its 70-ton capacity and compact dimensions made it ideal for navigating the trade routes of Lake Ontario, carrying cargoes such as lumber, coal, and general merchandise.

Collision with Schooner Coquette (1859) In July 1859, the Coaster collided with the Schooner Coquette near Oswego. The collision left the Coaster severely damaged and waterlogged, though the crew managed to save the vessel. It was towed to port for repairs. The Coquette, carrying lumber, sustained minor damage and continued its voyage.

Final Voyage (November 1860): During a fierce storm on Lake Ontario, the Coaster was driven ashore near Stone Mills, close to Picton, Ontario. The relentless waves broke the vessel apart. While the loss of cargo and possible fatalities are not well-documented, it is known that the engine was salvaged from the wreck. The storm was widely reported in the press, including the Buffalo Daily Republic on November 27, 1860, and the Oswego Commercial Times, which highlighted the widespread destruction of vessels across Lake Ontario during the gale.

Final Disposition

The Coaster met its end when it ran aground near Stone Mills in a storm. The pounding waves shattered the wooden Hull, leaving only the engine to be salvaged. The wreckage likely scattered along the shoreline and became buried under sediment over time.

Located By & Date

The Coaster was driven ashore and destroyed in 1860. The precise location and condition of any remaining wreckage are undocumented, but it is assumed to be dispersed or buried along the shoreline.

Resources & Links

• •Buffalo Daily Republic (November 27, 1860): Coverage of the storm and the Coaster’s loss.
• •Oswego Commercial Times: Reports on maritime disasters in Lake Ontario, including the 1860 storm.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Keywords Coaster, wooden propeller vessel, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Stone Mills wreck, Picton Ontario maritime history, 1860 storm, Canadian shipwrecks, Great Lakes shipping history.

Analysis

The Coaster’s loss underscores the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels navigating the Great Lakes. These ships operated year-round, often contending with late autumn storms known for their ferocity. Though the Coaster was a small vessel by Great Lakes standards, it was vital to the regional trade network. Its history illustrates the critical role of propeller vessels in the development of commerce and industry during a transformative period in Great Lakes maritime history. The storm that ended its service also highlights the inherent risks of early shipping, particularly during the unpredictable weather of the Great Lakes’ autumn months.