Wreck Report: Kingston Packet

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Kingston Packet

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck, fore-and-aft rigged sails

• Tonnage, Length, Beam, Depth: Not documented

• Location of Loss: Niagara, Ontario, Lake Ontario

• Date of Wreck: November 1820

Vessel Type Description

The Kingston Packet was a wooden Schooner, a versatile and widely used vessel type during the 19th century. These ships were critical to the transportation of goods and passengers, connecting major ports across Lake Ontario.

History

The Kingston Packet was part of the maritime network serving Lake Ontario, offering vital links for commerce and communication between ports. It was built to handle the variable conditions of the lake, making it an essential part of the regional economy.

In November 1820, during a violent gale, the Kingston Packet was driven ashore at Niagara, Ontario. Though contemporary reports lack detailed information about the vessel’s exact fate, it is presumed that the Schooner was severely damaged or rendered unusable due to the storm.

Final Disposition

The Kingston Packet was stranded during the storm at Niagara. The lack of further documentation suggests that the vessel may have been Abandoned or possibly salvaged for parts, depending on the extent of the damage.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) relate to the Kingston Packet. The incident remains part of the historical record of Lake Ontario shipwrecks.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The ultimate fate of the Kingston Packet is unknown, and no identifiable wreck remains have been documented.

Impact of Loss

The loss of the Kingston Packet disrupted trade routes and passenger services, highlighting the challenges faced by vessels navigating Lake Ontario during severe weather.