Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Ocean Wave
• Type: Paddlewheel Steamer (Sidewheel)
• Dimensions:
• •Length: 174.2 feet (53.1 meters)
• •Beam (Width): 26 feet (7.9 meters)
• •Depth (Hold): 10.6 feet (3.2 meters)
• Tonnage:
• •Gross Tonnage: 241 tons
• •Net Tonnage: 182 tons
• Location: Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
• •Coordinates: Latitude 43°50.753′N, Longitude 76°54.139′W
• •Depth: 151 feet (50 meters)
• Official Number: 19197
• Year Built: 1852
• Builder: E.D. Merritt, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Discovered By: Hydrographic Services Canada

Vessel Type Description

The Ocean Wave was a sidewheel paddle Steamer designed for carrying passengers, freight, and goods such as wood and agricultural products across Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. It was constructed as part of a New England capitalist effort to enhance trade routes between the Great Lakes and Boston. The vessel’s sidewheel design was typical for its era, allowing it to efficiently navigate both open waters and narrower river passages. Its wooden construction and reliance on steam propulsion placed it among the more advanced vessels of the mid-19th century.

History

Construction and Purpose

Built in 1852 by E.D. Merritt in Montreal, Quebec, the Ocean Wave was intended to bolster regional commerce and passenger travel. The vessel’s British registry allowed it to operate on the St. Lawrence River, where American vessels were restricted, making it a vital link in the region’s trade and transport network.

Service and Loss

The Ocean Wave began its service in late 1852. However, its career was tragically brief. On April 30, 1853, while navigating near Kingston, Ontario, the vessel caught fire. Despite the valiant efforts of Captain Kuyer, who saved many lives, the ship was completely destroyed, resulting in significant loss of life.

•Cargo: Flour, pearl ash, seed, hams, butter, and tallow.

•Casualties: Reports vary, with the number of lives lost ranging from 23 to 28. Thirteen individuals survived.

•Impact: The disaster was a blow to the ambitious trade strategies aiming to connect the Great Lakes to New England.

The fire highlighted the vulnerabilities of wooden steamships, particularly regarding fire safety, which was a persistent challenge for early steam-powered vessels.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: April 30, 1853

•Cause of Loss: Fire, leading to total destruction.

•Wreck Location: Submerged near Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The wreck lies at a depth of 151 feet (50 meters).

•Features: The paddlewheels and other structural components may still be discernible, though the wreck is expected to be in a deteriorated state due to age and environmental conditions.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The wreck is submerged and deteriorating, with some components, such as the paddlewheels, potentially recognizable.

•Accessibility: Accessible to experienced technical divers equipped for depths of 151 feet. The site holds historical and archaeological value and must be explored with adherence to preservation laws and ethical guidelines.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently pertain to the Ocean Wave wreck site. Mariners and divers should consult updated nautical charts and exercise caution when operating near Main Duck Island.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Information on historical vessels like the Ocean Wave.

•David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Detailed records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Lloyd’s Register of Ships Online: Historical registry of vessels.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical resource for the Great Lakes maritime history.

Analysis

The brief and tragic history of the Ocean Wave underscores the inherent dangers of early steam navigation on the Great Lakes. Built for efficiency and trade, the vessel was part of a broader effort to integrate regional economies, only to succumb to the vulnerabilities of wooden construction and the challenges of fire safety in an era of evolving maritime technology. Its loss near Kingston remains a somber reminder of the risks faced by early mariners and their passengers. The wreck at Main Duck Island continues to serve as a historical artifact, offering insights into mid-19th-century shipbuilding and the perilous conditions of Great Lakes navigation.

Keywords

•Ocean Wave

•Paddlewheel Steamer

•Lake Ontario shipwreck

•Main Duck Island

•E.D. Merritt

•Great Lakes maritime history

•19th-century steam navigation

•Shipwreck diving sit