Shipwreck Report: ADVANCE

Identification & Site Information

• Ship Name: Advance
• Coordinates: Latitude 44.863389, Longitude -87.496944
• Cargo: Coal (at time of final wreck)
• Human Loss: Yes
• Year Built: 1856
• Year of Wreck: 1873
• Owner(s): J.C. Riggs (original owner, Dexter, NY), Smith of Port Colborne, J.B. Devoe, J. Carr, J. Kerr
• •Cause of Wreck: Ran ashore
• •Vessel Type: Schooner

Vessel Type Description

The Advance was a two-masted wooden Schooner, a vessel type well-suited for the Great Lakes. Known for their fore-and-aft rigging, schooners offered speed and adaptability in coastal and open-water navigation. With its single Deck and relatively small size, the Advancewas versatile and primarily utilized for cargo transport, including coal, barley, and other goods critical to the 19th-century economy.

History

The Advance was constructed in 1856 in Dexter, New York, and registered under official number 105051. Owned initially by J.C. Riggs, it served as a cargo carrier on the Great Lakes. Over its operational life, the vessel changed ownership several times, with notable names such as J. Carr and J. Kerr taking over.

Despite its utility, the Advance faced numerous incidents:

• September 7, 1857: Holed and sank near Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence River, while transporting coal. It was refloated and repaired.
• April 1863: Ran ashore near the Genesee River, Lake Ontario, but successfully refloated.
• October 1870: Grounded at Oswego, New York, and subsequently Abandoned. The wreck was sold to local farmers for reuse.
• October 13, 1871: Aboard a cargo of barley, the Advance ran aground on Nicholson Island, Lake Ontario. Partial rebuilding occurred under J. Kerr’s ownership, prolonging its active years.

Despite surviving several mishaps, the Schooner finally met its demise in 1873 when it wrecked on Lake Ontario. Historical accounts provide limited details of this final incident, leaving the exact circumstances somewhat ambiguous.

Final Disposition

The Advance was wrecked in 1873 on Lake Ontario, near Nicholson Island. This marked the end of the Schooner’s long and eventful service life. Its wreck serves as a testament to the resilience of the Great Lakes shipping industry during a time when vessels frequently contended with unpredictable weather and navigational challenges.

Located By & Date

The wreck site of the Advance is believed to be near Nicholson Island at the provided coordinates. The specific date of discovery is not documented, and it remains a site of interest for historians and underwater explorers.

NOTMARs & Advisories

While there are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly tied to the Advance, general caution is advised when navigating or diving in the vicinity of Nicholson Island. The historical significance of the site enhances its value for exploration, but divers should remain mindful of underwater hazards.

Conclusion

The Advance epitomizes the era of schooners on the Great Lakes, showcasing both their utility and vulnerability. Its history highlights the risks faced by mariners navigating these inland seas in the 19th century. The vessel’s long operational life, punctuated by numerous incidents and repairs, underscores the resilience and determination of its crews and owners. The Advance is remembered as a durable workhorse of the Great Lakes, whose wreck site near Nicholson Island remains a piece of maritime history.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Website: Comprehensive data on Great Lakes vessels.
• Patrick Labadie Collection: Archive of historical ship details.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck documentation.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Historical records and reports.
• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser: Periodical coverage of maritime incidents.
• Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1873: Official registration and incident records.
• Herman Runge List: Archival resources on 19th-century vessels.

Keywords

#Advance #SchoonerWreck #LakeOntario #GreatLakesHistory #NicholsonIsland #ShipwreckDiving #19thCenturyMaritime