Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: ZEALAND

•Type: Wooden Propeller Ship

•Year Built: 1872

•Builder: Hyslop & Ronald, Chatham, Ontario

•Material: Wood

•Dimensions:

•Length: 136 feet (41.5 meters)

•Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)

•Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 361 tons

•Net Tonnage: 267 tons

•Engine: Single high-pressure engine, 250 horsepower

•Location of Wreck: Near Long Point, south of Prince Edward Bay, Lake Ontario

•Depth: Not specified

•Date of Loss: November 1880

Vessel Type Description

The ZEALAND was a wooden-hulled freight propeller vessel, designed for transporting goods between major ports on Lake Ontario, such as Montreal and Toronto. With no cabin accommodations, the ship was built purely for cargo operations, and its single high-pressure engine provided the power to traverse the often challenging Great Lakes waters.

History

Launched in 1872, the ZEALAND quickly became an important part of the Chatham & Montreal shipping line, delivering wheat, flour, and other goods across Lake Ontario. Under the command of Captain Edward Zealand, the vessel earned a reputation for reliability, bolstered by its solid construction and experienced crew.

On a fateful November day in 1880, while en route from Toronto to Montreal, the ZEALAND encountered a ferocious storm near Long Point, south of Prince Edward Bay. The storm, one of the most intense recorded on Lake Ontario, overwhelmed the vessel, leading to its foundering. Despite the crew’s efforts to save the ship, the ZEALAND sank, taking with it all 16 crew members, including Captain Zealand. The captain, a well-regarded sailor, left behind a grieving family in Hamilton, and the tragedy deeply impacted the local maritime community.

The loss of the ZEALAND was a stark reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century, especially for wooden-hulled vessels, which were susceptible to the severe weather that frequently plagued the region.

Final Disposition

The ZEALAND sank during the storm and remained lost for nearly two decades. In 1899, salvagers discovered the wreck west of Nicholson Island in Lake Ontario. The wreck was confirmed as the ZEALAND and has since been a historical point of interest for maritime historians and divers.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the wreck of the ZEALAND. Mariners in the vicinity of Long Point should remain aware of the historical significance of the area.

Located By & Date

•Discovery: Salvagers located the wreck in 1899, approximately 19 years after its loss.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the ZEALAND remains largely intact despite decades underwater. Its wooden Hull, while affected by the underwater environment, offers insight into 19th-century shipbuilding techniques. Though the precise depth is not specified, it is accessible to experienced divers equipped for deep-water exploration. The location near Long Point makes it a potential site for historical diving expeditions, though specific coordinates have not been disclosed.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

•Lake Ontario Shipwreck Research

Keywords

#ZEALAND #LakeOntarioShipwrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #1880Shipwreck #CanadianShipbuilding #GreatLakesDisasters

Conclusion

The ZEALAND‘s sinking during the storm of November 1880 is a tragic chapter in Lake Ontario’s maritime history. The loss of all 16 crew members underscores the perilous nature of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation, particularly for wooden-hulled vessels facing extreme weather. The discovery of the wreck in 1899 provided some answers to the vessel’s fate, but the incident remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and sacrifices of Great Lakes mariners. Today, the wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a solemn memorial to those lost at sea.