Identification & Site Information

•Type of Wreck: Wooden Steam Barge (Propeller Vessel)

•Name: Norman

•Location: Prinyer’s Cove, Macdonald’s Cove, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Lake Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 98 feet (29.9 metres)

•Beam: 24 feet (7.3 metres)

•Depth: 7 feet (2.1 metres)

•Tonnage:

•Gross Tonnage: 149 tons

•Net Tonnage: 97 tons

•Site Status: Destroyed by fire on November 30, 1883

Vessel Type Description

The Norman was a wooden steam Barge featuring a screw propeller and a sloop rig. With its single Deck and single mast, the vessel was well-suited for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes and adjacent waterways. Built in 1872 on Opinicon Lake, Ontario, its robust design and steam power made it versatile but vulnerable to the hazards of 19th-century shipping.

History

Construction and Ownership

•Built: 1872 on Opinicon Lake, Ontario.

•Initial Owner: I. Goodearl and others, Kingston, Ontario.

•Subsequent Ownership:

•1877: Still held by Kingston owners.

•1880: D.W. Allison of Adolphustown.

•1882: Acquired by T. Hicks of Prince Edward County.

Operational Challenges

The Norman endured several significant incidents:

•September 1878: A fire in Oswego, New York, caused extensive damage, requiring repairs that sidelined the vessel until 1880.

•1881: Ran aground on South Manitou Island, Lake Michigan, reflecting the difficulties of navigating Great Lakes routes.

Final Voyage

On November 30, 1883, the Norman caught fire while moored at Prinyer’s Dock in Macdonald’s Cove, Prince Edward County. The fire, believed to have started near the boilers, broke out as the crew slept. They escaped by jumping overboard, but the vessel was completely destroyed. The captain lost his personal belongings and cash in the blaze. The Norman was en route from Cape Vincent to Picton for lay-up when the tragedy occurred.

Aftermath

The vessel was declared a Total Loss. The ship’s registry was closed on December 29, 1883, ending its operational history.

Final Disposition

The remains of the Norman rest in Prinyer’s Cove, serving as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by steam-powered vessels in the late 19th century. The wreckage is not widely explored but retains historical significance.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•NOTMARs: No active Notices to Mariners are associated with the site.

•Advisories: Mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring near Prinyer’s Cove due to submerged wreckage hazards.

Located By & Date

The wreck was documented following the fire in 1883. It remains a site of historical interest, though it has not been extensively surveyed or explored.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Norman is emblematic of the challenges faced by wooden steam barges on the Great Lakes. From fire to grounding incidents, its operational history highlights the dangers inherent in early steam-powered maritime transport. The vessel’s destruction by fire underscores the vulnerability of wooden hulls and steam machinery to catastrophic failure, even during routine operations.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed records on shipwrecks and vessel histories in the Great Lakes region.

•Historical Newspapers: Contemporary reports detailing the Norman’s incidents and final loss.

Conclusion

The Norman’s story reflects the resilience and risks of steam-powered maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Its operational history, marked by both service and setbacks, culminates in its tragic end in Prinyer’s Cove. While largely forgotten, the Norman remains a valuable piece of Canadian maritime history, offering insights into the 19th-century shipping industry and the challenges faced by vessels of its era.

Keywords

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•#19thCenturyShipping

•#MaritimeHistory

•#SteamPoweredVessels

•#ShipwreckHistory

•#GreatLakesIncidents

•#OntarioMaritimeHeritage