Wreck Report: Schooner Wellington

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Wellington
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck, likely two-masted Schooner
• Tonnage, Length, Beam, Depth: Not documented
• Final Location of Wreck: Near Stoney Creek, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• Date of Wreck: November 1820

Vessel Type Description

The Wellington was a wooden Schooner, a common type of Great Lakes vessel during the early 19th century. Designed for cargo transportation, schooners like the Wellington were versatile and well-suited for navigating the vast but often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. However, as an older vessel at the time of its loss, the Wellington may have been more vulnerable to the severe weather conditions that led to its demise.

History

The Wellington had served the maritime trade network of Lake Ontario for several years, facilitating the transport of goods between various ports. By November 1820, the Schooner was nearing the end of its operational life but remained in service, reflecting the economic necessity of maximizing the lifespan of such vessels.

In the autumn of 1820, the Wellington embarked on what would become its final voyage. During this period, the Great Lakes region was struck by a violent storm, characterized by fierce gales and heavy snowfall. These conditions posed severe challenges for even the sturdiest of vessels, and the Wellington was no exception.

Final Disposition

The Wellington was completely wrecked near Stoney Creek, Ontario, during the storm. While specific details of the wreck are not documented, it is evident that the Schooner was unable to withstand the severe weather.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported among the crew, indicating that they likely managed to abandon ship and reach safety. However, the vessel itself was lost, marking the end of its service and leaving behind a stark reminder of the perils faced by aging ships on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Wellington. The incident is primarily remembered as a historical maritime loss rather than an ongoing navigational concern.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Wellington has not been located or documented by modern surveys. Its remains are presumed to have been either destroyed or buried over time, given the age and nature of the loss.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The Wellington was completely wrecked, and any remnants would be in an advanced state of deterioration, if they exist at all.
• Accessibility: Not applicable, as the wreck is presumed to no longer exist in a discernible form.

Impact of Loss

The wreck of the Wellington highlights several key aspects of 19th-century maritime history:

• 1. Economic Challenges: The loss of an older vessel like the Wellington reflected the economic necessity of extending the operational life of schooners, often at the cost of increased risk.
• 2. Technological Limitations: The Schooner’s inability to weather the storm underscores the limitations of early vessel design and the lack of advanced safety measures or navigational aids.
• 3. Human Resilience: Despite the vessel’s complete destruction, the survival of its crew demonstrates the determination and resourcefulness of Great Lakes mariners.

Historical Significance

The loss of the Wellington during the 1820 storm serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners navigating Lake Ontario in the early 19th century. As an aging Schooner, the Wellington was particularly vulnerable to the storm’s fury, reflecting the broader challenges of maintaining older vessels in active service.

Resources & Links

• Kingston Chronicle (1820): Reports on the storm and its aftermath, including the wreck of the Wellington.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival database on shipwrecks and historical vessels.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documentation of Great Lakes maritime incidents.

Conclusion

The wreck of the Wellington near Stoney Creek, Ontario, was one of many maritime tragedies during the storm of November 1820. While the vessel was lost, the survival of its crew offers a testament to the resilience of those who braved the Great Lakes’ unpredictable waters. The Wellington’s story remains a significant chapter in the history of Lake Ontario’s maritime heritage.

Keywords

#Schooner Wellington #Stoney Creek Wreck #Lake Ontario Shipwreck #1820 Storm #Maritime History of the Great Lakes