Shipwreck Report: Sloop Weazel (Weasel) (circa 1786–1798)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Weazel (also recorded as Weasel)
• Official Number: None
• Vessel Type: Wooden Sloop
• Built: Circa 1786, possibly in Detroit
• Owner: John Askin, a prominent trader and government official in the Great Lakes region
• Primary Use: Transporting supplies to settlements along the Bruce Peninsula
• Specifications Size: Described as “small” Construction: Wooden Hull
• Propulsion: Sail-powered (single-mast sloop rig)

Operational History

The Weazel was a small trading sloop, likely built around 1786, during the early days of European settlement in the Great Lakes. Operated by John Askin, a key figure in the fur trade and supply chains for British and later Canadian settlements, the Weazel played a crucial role in Transporting goods and supplies between Detroit and remote settlements along the Bruce Peninsula and the eastern shores of Lake Huron.  Supporting the British military outposts and Indigenous trading networks.

During this period, small sloops and schooners were essential, navigating unpredictable waters to maintain supply lines between isolated communities.

Final Voyage and Loss

• Date of Loss: 1798
• Location: Near Southampton, Ontario, Lake Huron
• Cause: 790Stranded (ran aground)
• Cargo: Supplies
• Loss of Life: Unknown

Incident Details The Weazel ran ashore and was wrecked while delivering supplies to settlements along the Bruce coast.  Her anchor was recovered a few years later, indicating a possible attempt to salvage or refloat the vessel.

Conflicting Reports: Some records suggest this stranding was only temporary, and the Weazel continued operating until at least 1818, possibly even 1838.  However, no concrete evidence supports these claims, and she’s generally listed as lost in 1798.

Archaeological Discoveries

• Excavation in 2002:
• Archaeologist Ken Cassavoy and a Trent University team excavated a small wreck in the area.
• Discoveries included a small cannon and wreckage consistent with an 18th-century sloop or Schooner.
• While not confirmed, this site may be the remains of the Weazel.

Legacy and Significance

Early Great Lakes Commerce and Navigation  The Weazel represents the early days of European shipping on the Great Lakes, when small vessels navigated uncharted waters to connect isolated settlements. Her role in supplying British outposts and fostering trade was vital to the region’s development.

Ties to John Askin – John Askin, the vessel’s owner, was a significant figure in Great Lakes history, involved in trade, politics, and land development. The Weazel would have been part of his broader trading operations, bridging economic and cultural divides.

Potential Archaeological Insight  If the wreck found near Southampton is indeed the Weazel, it could offer rare physical evidence of 18th-century ship construction and trade on the Great Lakes.  The discovery of small artifacts like the cannon suggests military connections, possibly linked to British defense strategies in the region.

Wreck Site and Potential Remains

• Location: Near Southampton, Ontario, Lake Huron
• Current Condition The wreckage located in 2002 may be partially buried or scattered due to centuries of wave action and sedimentation.
• Artifacts, including anchors and small arms, might still be found nearby.
• Potential for Further Discovery Underwater surveys and archival research could clarify whether this site is indeed the Weazel. Further excavations might reveal more about early Great Lakes shipbuilding techniques.

Further Research and Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes  http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca  Contains historical records, trade logs, and ship registries from the period.
• Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre  https://www.brucemuseum.ca  Archives regional maritime history and archaeological findings.
• Trent University Archaeology Department  Ken Cassavoy’s excavation reports might provide detailed analysis of the findings near Southampton.
• Library and Archives Canada  https://library-archives.canada.ca Holds documents on John Askin’s trading activities and Great Lakes exploration.

Conclusion

The Weazel (circa 1786–1798) was a small wooden sloop serving early settlers and military outposts along Lake Huron’s Bruce coast. Wrecked near Southampton, Ontario, she represents the struggles and adventures of early Great Lakes navigation. Archaeological evidence may yet reveal more of her story, bridging history and exploration in this fascinating region. Would you like to explore more about early Great Lakes trade or perhaps another shipwreck? Let me know! 🚢