Identification & Site Information

•Type of Wreck: 3-Masted Bark

•Location: Timber Island, Lake Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 131.8 feet (40.2 meters)

•Beam: 23.6 feet (7.2 meters)

•Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)

•Gross Tonnage:

•Originally 430 tons, later adjusted to 365 and 392 tons after major repairs

•Builder: Built in Montreal, Quebec, in 1853 by C42742

•Site Status: Submerged near Timber Island, Lake Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The WATERWITCH was a 3-masted Bark, a versatile sailing vessel commonly used in the mid-19th century for transporting bulk cargo. Built in 1853 in Montreal, Quebec, it was robustly constructed of wood to handle the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes. The ship’s design enabled efficient sailing with a sizable cargo capacity, making it an essential component of the Great Lakes commercial fleet.

History

The WATERWITCH had a distinguished career marked by transatlantic and Great Lakes voyages. Its maiden voyage to Liverpool, England, carrying a cargo of flour, demonstrated its capability as a long-distance cargo vessel. Over its operational life, the ship changed ownership multiple times, reflecting its value in maritime commerce:

•1854: Purchased by John Campbell of Kingston.

•1860: Acquired by Walker & Barry of Kingston, with the vessel’s tonnage recorded at 430 tons.

•1862: Underwent major repairs, reducing its tonnage to 365 tons.

•1863: Bought by R.R. Perryn of Kingston, increasing tonnage to 392 tons.

•1866: Owned by A. Finnimore of Kingston; tonnage adjusted to 365 tons.

•1869: Ownership transferred to James Swift of Kingston.

The WATERWITCH transported various goods, including flour and iron, playing a vital role in regional trade.

Final Disposition

On a Sunday morning in 1869, the WATERWITCH met its tragic end while carrying a cargo of iron from Kingston to Cleveland. The vessel Foundered near South Bay, close to Timber Island in Lake Ontario. The crew managed to escape to shore using a small boat, avoiding any loss of life. However, the vessel and its cargo were a Total Loss. This incident added to a series of maritime tragedies on the Great Lakes during that year, as noted by Captain J.W. Hall.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the WATERWITCH wreck site.

•Mariners and divers should exercise caution near Timber Island due to potential submerged hazards.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the WATERWITCH is documented in historical accounts, though its discovery by modern divers is not widely reported. The site is known to lie near Timber Island, Lake Ontario, but precise GPS coordinates are not available.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the wreck remains largely undocumented, as no extensive modern surveys or diving expeditions have been publicly recorded. The wreck’s historical significance makes it a point of interest for maritime researchers and divers exploring the area around Timber Island.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Vessel histories and technical details.

•Historical Reports: Local maritime archives and accounts from Captain J.W. Hall.

Keywords

•WATERWITCH

•3-Masted Bark

•Lake Ontario Shipwreck

•Timber Island

•1869 Shipwreck

•Canadian Maritime History

•Great Lakes Bark

Analysis

The WATERWITCH symbolizes the resilience and significance of 19th-century maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Its loss near Timber Island highlights the challenges of navigating these inland seas, especially during inclement weather. The ship’s long service life, transporting essential goods such as flour and iron, underscores the economic importance of vessels like the WATERWITCH to the development of the region. Its story remains a valuable chapter in the history of Great Lakes commerce and maritime resilience.