Identification & Site Information

Name: Olive Branch

Type: Wooden Schooner

Dimensions:

•Length: 92 feet 4 inches (28.1 meters)

•Beam (Width): 22 feet (6.7 meters)

•Depth (Hold): 8 feet (2.4 meters)

Tonnage:

•Gross Tonnage: 160 tons

•Net Tonnage: 121 tons

Location of Wreck:

•Coordinates: Latitude 43°55.900′N, Longitude 76°44.269′W

•Final Location: 4 miles east of False Duck Islands, Lake Ontario

Condition:

•Sits upright and is remarkably preserved on the lakebed.

Vessel Type Description

The Olive Branch was a classic wooden Schooner, a type of vessel widely used in the 19th century for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Schooners like this were known for their efficiency and versatility, with fore-and-aft rigged sails that adapted well to variable wind conditions. The Olive Branch was built with a single Deck, designed to maximize cargo space for goods such as coal. Its design reflected the shipbuilding expertise of the time and the growing demand for robust vessels capable of enduring the Great Lakes’ challenging waters.

History

Construction and Early Years

The Olive Branch was built in 1871 by W. Redman at Picton, Ontario, and was initially owned by Walter Ross. Over the years, the Schooner changed hands several times:

•1871: Owned by Thomas Wellbanks and associates of South Marysburg, Ontario.

•1872: Ownership transferred to Joseph Dix of Garden Island, Ontario, then to Christopher Harris of Storrington, Ontario.

•1877: Andrew Ault and others of Kingston, Ontario, became the final owners.

Operational Use

The Schooner was a key part of the Great Lakes trade network, transporting various goods, including coal, which was a vital commodity during the late 19th century.

Final Voyage

On September 30, 1880, the Olive Branch embarked on what would become its last journey. Laden with 200 tons of coal, the vessel was caught in a gale near False Duck Islands. Witnesses reported the Schooner in distress, with only portions of its foresail and jib visible as it battled heavy seas. The Olive Branch ultimately capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of all five crew members, including:

•Captain Andrew Ault

•Four unnamed crew members

The disaster was observed by the captains of nearby vessels Huron, Fitzhugh, Augusta, and Dudley, but assistance was impossible due to the harsh conditions. The Schooner’s topmast was later spotted protruding from the water, confirming its fate.

Final Disposition

Date of Loss: September 30, 1880

Cause of Loss: Capsized during a gale while carrying coal.

Final Location: Approximately 4 miles east of False Duck Islands in Lake Ontario.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•The wreck of the Olive Branch lies upright on the lakebed, offering a rare and well-preserved example of a 19th-century Schooner.

•Notable features include:

•Ship’s Wheel: Still in place.

•Masts, Anchors, and Deadeyes: Intact and accessible.

•Artifacts: Personal items such as a shoe sole and a large saucer are remarkably preserved.

•Diving Conditions:

•Visibility: 10 to 60 feet (3 to 18 meters), depending on weather and water conditions.

•Temperature: High 30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (4 to 7 degrees Celsius).

•Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers with cold-water experience.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the Olive Branch wreck. Mariners and divers should navigate carefully around the site to preserve its integrity.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of the Olive Branch and similar wrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Extensive historical information on Great Lakes vessels.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed data and histories of vessels, including ownership and incidents.

•Naval Marine Institute: Archival records and shipbuilding data.

Analysis

The Olive Branch embodies the triumphs and perils of 19th-century maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Its service, lasting nearly a decade, highlights the importance of schooners in transporting essential goods like coal. The Schooner’s loss during a gale in 1880 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors of the time.

Today, the Olive Branch’s remarkably preserved wreck is a valuable historical and archaeological site. It provides insights into 19th-century shipbuilding, navigation, and the daily lives of sailors. For divers, it offers a unique opportunity to explore a nearly intact vessel, while for historians, it remains a poignant symbol of Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords

Olive Branch, Schooner, shipwreck, Lake Ontario, False Duck Islands, coal cargo, maritime history, Great Lakes, diving site, 19th-century vessel