Identification & Site Information

•Name: Fleet Wing

•Type: Schooner

•Builder: Dearborn and Quick

•Year Built: 1863

•Location: Lake Ontario, near Cobourg

•Coordinates: 43°55’02.7”N, 77°01’44.6”W

•Dimensions:

•Net Tonnage (NT): 218 NT

•Depth: Not specified

•Current Condition: Wreck initially found capsized, later righted and towed, but grounded on a bar near Cobourg during recovery efforts.

Vessel Type Description

The Fleet Wing was a Schooner, a versatile sailing vessel with two or more masts. Schooners were renowned for their speed and ease of handling, which made them highly suitable for coastal trade and transportation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

History

The Fleet Wing was built in 1863 by Dearborn and Quick in Wilson, New York. It primarily operated on Lake Ontario, serving the burgeoning trade and transport network of the region.

On August 22, 1863, the Fleet Wing encountered tragedy when a sudden squall capsized the vessel while it was underway on Lake Ontario. Captain Quick and his crew managed to escape in a Yawl boat, but the captain’s wife, child, and an unidentified cook, who were in the cabin at the time, tragically drowned.

After the incident, the capsized Schooner was discovered, righted, and towed toward Oswego for repairs. However, while attempting to enter Cobourg, the vessel grounded on a bar. Concerns were raised about potential damage due to an ensuing gale.

Final Disposition

The Fleet Wing was last reported grounded on a bar near Cobourg. The exact details of its condition following this event, as well as its ultimate fate, are unclear. Historical accounts from the Buffalo Daily Courier (August 26, 1863) and other sources detail the incident and recovery efforts but provide limited information about the wreck’s final status.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the Fleet Wing wreck site.

Located By & Date

The vessel’s story is preserved through historical reports, such as those in the Buffalo Daily Courier from August 26, 1863, documenting the recovery and grounding events.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The post-grounding condition of the Fleet Wing remains poorly documented. Whether the wreck site is accessible for diving or further research would require updated assessments. Its location near Cobourg may offer clues for those interested in maritime archaeology or historical exploration.

Resources & Links

•Buffalo Daily Courier (August 26, 1863): Historical incident report.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of Great Lakes maritime history.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive vessel records.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical records on shipwrecks.

Keywords

Fleet Wing, Schooner, Lake Ontario, Cobourg, shipwreck, 1863 squall, Great Lakes maritime history.

Analysis

The Fleet Wing represents the challenges faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Built in 1863, the vessel met an untimely fate within the same year, a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions of inland maritime travel.

The recovery efforts highlight the resilience of Great Lakes sailors and the importance of such vessels to regional commerce. While its final status remains ambiguous, the Fleet Wing serves as a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario and a potential site of interest for researchers and divers seeking to uncover more of its story.