Identification & Site Information:

•Name, Former Names: SHANNON

•Registration Number: Not specified

•Date Built and Launched: Specific details unknown; presumed 19th century

•Measurements: Estimated based on other similar schooners; length approximately 100 ft (30.5 m)

•Date Lost: Late 19th century

Vessel Type

Schooner

Description

The SHANNON was a coal-carrying Schooner operating on Lake Ontario. Its design and build reflect the mid- to late-19th century construction for such vessels, optimized for cargo capacity and navigation across the Great Lakes.

History

The SHANNON sank off the coast of Oswego, New York, in Lake Ontario, following a structural failure while carrying a full load of coal. Despite the robust construction typical of schooners, heavy loads and Lake Ontario’s harsh conditions proved too much, leading to the vessel’s tragic demise.

While no lives were reportedly lost in the sinking, the loss of the vessel represented a significant material and economic setback. The Schooner was transporting coal, a critical fuel source for the industrial era.

Final Dispositions

The wreck of the SHANNON was located in 2011 by underwater explorers Jim Kennard, Roger Pawlowski, and Roland Stevens. The wreck lies upright on the lakebed, remarkably preserved. Its masts are still intact, and much of the coal cargo remains visible, offering a vivid snapshot of its final moments.

The discovery adds to the rich maritime heritage of Lake Ontario, providing valuable insights into the life and loss of schooners during the height of their use on the Great Lakes.

Located By & Date Found

•Located by: Jim Kennard, Roger Pawlowski, and Roland Stevens

•Date Found: 2011

•Location: Lake Ontario, off the coast of Oswego, New York

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Obstructions: The intact masts and exposed cargo may pose hazards to divers. The wreck site is a key archaeological find and should be approached with care to preserve its condition.

Resources & Links

•Shipwreck World: Discovery of the SHANNON

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Keywords

SHANNON, Schooner, shipwreck, Lake Ontario, Jim Kennard, Roger Pawlowski, Roland Stevens, Oswego, coal cargo, maritime history

Categories

•Great Lakes shipwrecks

•19th-century maritime history

•Coal trade

Conclusion

The discovery of the SHANNON presents a fascinating look into 19th-century Schooner trade and the risks of heavy cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Its remarkable preservation offers both a historical artifact and a poignant reminder of the economic lifelines that these vessels represented. The site remains an important part of Lake Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage.