Identification & Site Information

• •Vessel Name: Janet
• •Vessel Type: Racing Yacht
• •Built By: Captain Simon G. Johnston
• •Year Built: 1851
• •Dimensions:
• •Keel Length: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
• •Beam: 12 feet (3.7 meters)
• •Ballast: Approximately 7 tons
• •Final Resting Place: American Channel, near Clayton, New York, St. Lawrence River
• •Depth of Wreck: 40 feet (12 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The JANET was a racing yacht, crafted with a sleek design for speed and agility on the water. Its dimensions and construction, while suitable for competitive sailing, raised questions about its suitability for carrying large groups of passengers on pleasure excursions.

History

Construction and Maiden Voyage:

Built in 1851 by Captain Simon G. Johnston, the JANET was intended for racing and pleasure sailing. On its ill-fated voyage, it was carrying 35 passengers, most of whom were members of Kingston’s social elite, invited by the yacht’s owner, Mr. D. B. Jenkins, a prominent sailmaker.

The Voyage Begins:

The journey began in Kingston, Ontario, with a stop at Wolfe Island for a shore dinner before proceeding toward Clayton, New York. Spirits were high as passengers enjoyed the excursion aboard the newly launched yacht.

The Tragedy (August 14, 1851):

White Squall Strikes:

As the JANET entered the American channel of the St. Lawrence River, a sudden white squall hit. Despite attempts to stabilize the yacht, a critical miscommunication led to the release of the mainsail rather than the jib sheet, exacerbating the vessel’s lean and causing it to capsize.

Structural and Operational Failures:

•The missing valve in the water-tight cockpit allowed water to enter, causing the yacht to sink slowly.

•The overloaded passenger count further compromised the vessel’s stability.

Loss of Life:

The JANET sank to a depth of 40 feet, claiming the lives of 19 passengers, primarily women from Kingston. This incident marked the greatest loss of life in Wolfe Island’s history.

Rescue Efforts

Immediate Response:

•The American Steamer NIAGARA was the first to respond, rescuing survivors and recovering bodies.

•Survivors clinging to the mast or swimming to shore were assisted by local vessels from Wolfe Island.

British Assistance:

•The British Steamship PRINCE OF WALES joined the recovery efforts, ensuring the victims were brought back to Kingston for proper burial.

Aftermath

Coroner’s Inquest:

•Testimonies during the inquest highlighted concerns about the yacht’s structural suitability and passenger capacity for such excursions.

•The verdict criticized the use of yachts like the JANET for large passenger outings, leading to increased scrutiny of pleasure vessel operations on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

Legacy:

The JANET’s sinking remains one of the most somber events in the maritime history of the St. Lawrence River, serving as a cautionary tale about the risks of overloading and miscommunication in maritime operations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•The wreck of the JANET rests in 40 feet (12 meters) of water upstream from Clayton, New York.

•While the wreck has historical significance, it is not widely promoted as a dive site.

Resources & Links

•A Souvenir of the 1000 Islands & St. Lawrence River by John A. Haddock (1896)

•The Maritime Museum of the Great Lakes, Kingston

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The story of the JANET reflects the perils of 19th-century maritime excursions on the St. Lawrence River. The combination of poor design for passenger loads, a sudden squall, and operational missteps led to a devastating tragedy that shaped maritime safety practices in the region. Today, the wreck of the JANET stands as a poignant reminder of the need for caution and preparedness in recreational boating.