Wreck Report for the Royal Albert

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Royal Albert

•Type: Wooden Schooner, two-masted

•Year Built: 1858

•Builder: John Simpson, Oakville, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 103 feet 8/12ths (31.6 meters)

•Beam: 23 feet (7.0 meters)

•Depth of Hold: 8 feet 10/12ths (2.7 meters)

•Final Tonnage: 159 tons

•Location of Wreck: Approximately 10 miles off Little Sodus, Lake Ontario, New York, USA

•Depth of Wreck: Not documented, presumed deep water

•Date of Wreck: August 7, 1868

Vessel Type Description

The Royal Albert was a robust wooden Schooner constructed in Oakville, Ontario, in 1858 by John Simpson. Designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, the Schooner was equipped with two masts, a single Deck, and a spacious hold for bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and iron. Throughout its life, the vessel’s tonnage fluctuated due to modifications and re-measurements, reflecting its ongoing use and repairs. It served multiple owners and underwent significant overhauls during its decade-long career.

Historical Overview

•Construction and Early Service:

Built at the “Simpson Shipyard” in Oakville, the Royal Albert was initially owned by John Simpson & Company. Its sturdy design allowed it to navigate the often harsh conditions of the Great Lakes, making it a vital asset for transporting goods between major ports.

•Ownership Changes:

•By 1861, the Schooner was co-owned by Toronto merchants Thomas C. Chisholm, Benjamin Hagaman, and Noah Brinhest.

•By 1865, ownership passed to John Dench of Trenton, Ontario, followed by Robert G. Post of Pickering in 1866.

•At the time of its loss in 1868, the Royal Albert was owned by H.C. Bolland of Oswego, New York.

•Incidents and Repairs:

•December 4, 1861: Ran ashore at Long Point, Ontario, on Lake Erie but was salvaged and repaired.

•1865: The Schooner underwent repairs and an increase in Gross Tonnage to 174 tons.

•The vessel continued its operations successfully before its final, fateful voyage.

•Final Voyage:

On August 7, 1868, while carrying a load of Railroad Iron, the Royal Albert Foundered approximately 10 miles off Little Sodus in Lake Ontario. Split seams caused the vessel to fill with water and sink rapidly. The crew escaped in lifeboats and reached shore safely.

Final Disposition

•Sinking Details:

The exact cause of the sinking remains speculative. Heavy Railroad Iron cargo may have been improperly loaded, contributing to the vessel’s rapid loss of stability. The ship, valued at $10,000, was insured for $7,000.

•Casualties: None reported. The crew survived by abandoning ship in lifeboats.

•Wreck Location:

Despite efforts to locate it, the wreck of the Royal Albert has never been discovered. It remains one of Lake Ontario’s many unresolved maritime mysteries.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Royal Albert wreck site. The waters near Little Sodus are known for their navigation challenges, particularly during adverse weather.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition:

The wreck is presumed to be in a deteriorated state due to its age and the conditions of Lake Ontario. Wooden structures from the 19th century often degrade significantly in freshwater environments over time.

•Accessibility:

The wreck has not been located or surveyed, and it is not accessible to divers or researchers.

Resources & References

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Bowling Green State University Historic Vessels Index

•NOAA Mariners Weather Log

•Shipbuilding History Records

•Merchant Vessels of the United States

Analysis

The story of the Royal Albert encapsulates the challenges and risks of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. As a well-built Schooner serving multiple owners, it played a critical role in the commerce of the time. Its sudden loss, likely due to cargo instability, highlights the vulnerability of wooden ships carrying heavy loads in unpredictable conditions. While its wreck remains undiscovered, the vessel’s history contributes to the maritime lore of Lake Ontario.

Keywords

Royal Albert, Schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Oswego maritime history, John Simpson shipbuilder, 19th-century Great Lakes shipping, Railroad Iron cargo, Little Sodus shipwreck.