SHIPWRECK REPORT: Schooner NONESUCH

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: NONESUCH

•Type: Schooner

•Owner: R. Wetherell, Hamilton, Ontario

•Lost: January 14, 1858 (exact date varies slightly in reports)

•Final Location: Near the mouth of Stoney Creek, Lake Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Nonesuch was a wooden Schooner, a staple of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Designed for cargo transport, schooners like the Nonesuch were essential to the economic vitality of the region, facilitating the movement of goods such as lumber, coal, and agricultural produce. At the time of its sinking, the vessel was reported to be carrying a full load of wood, although some accounts suggest wool may have been part of its cargo.

HISTORY

The Nonesuch, owned by R. Wetherell of Hamilton, Ontario, played a vital role in the busy trade routes of Lake Ontario. On January 14, 1858, the Schooner departed with a full cargo of wood. As the vessel neared Stoney Creek, a fierce gale struck the region. The Schooner began taking on water when it sprang a severe leak, and despite the efforts of the crew, the situation deteriorated rapidly.

Realizing the vessel could not remain afloat, the crew Abandoned ship and sought refuge ashore. The lack of a small boat posed additional challenges, but the crew successfully reached safety. The incident highlighted the dangers of winter navigation on the Great Lakes and the resilience of sailors during such perilous times.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Nonesuch sank near the mouth of Stoney Creek, Lake Ontario, during the gale. The estimated financial loss ranged between $1,000 and $1,400, a substantial amount for the time. None of the loss was covered by insurance, adding to the economic impact of the tragedy. The Schooner and its cargo were declared a Total Loss, with no salvage reported.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

The loss of the Nonesuch underscores the inherent risks of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the winter months. This wreck serves as a historical marker of the challenges faced by mariners and the importance of such vessels in shaping the region’s economy and connectivity.

FUTURE EXPLORATION & PRESERVATION

The exact wreck site of the Nonesuch remains undocumented, providing an opportunity for future exploration. If located, the site could yield valuable information about Schooner construction and operation during the mid-19th century. Any wreckage should be protected and documented to preserve this piece of maritime history for future research and education.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.Buffalo Commercial Advertiser (January 28, 1858): Includes a report on the loss of the Nonesuch in the 1858 Casualty List.

2.Chicago Daily Press (1857 Casualty Report): Provides alternative details about the vessel’s cargo and sinking.

3.Buffalo Daily Courier: Detailed reporting on the gale and the circumstances surrounding the Schooner’s loss near Stoney Creek.

4.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for records and narratives about shipwrecks like the Nonesuch.

KEYWORDS

Nonesuch, Schooner, Stoney Creek shipwreck, Lake Ontario, 19th-century maritime history, Great Lakes shipwrecks, wooden vessels, winter navigation, 1858 storm.

CONCLUSION

The sinking of the Schooner Nonesuch is a significant reminder of the challenges faced by sailors on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Although the exact wreck site remains undocumented, the vessel’s story continues to be a vital part of Lake Ontario’s maritime history. Future exploration and research could uncover more about the vessel’s construction and its final moments, contributing to our understanding of Great Lakes shipping during a formative era.