Identification & Site Information

• Name: Annie Falconer
• Type of Wreck: Wooden Schooner
• Location: Timber Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: 43°58.104’N, 76°48.281’W
• Dimensions: Length: 108 feet (32.9 metres) Beam: 75 feet (22.9 metres)
• Site Status: Sank on November 12, 1904; wreck located in August 1975.

Vessel Type Description

The Annie Falconer was a two-masted wooden Schooner built in Kingston, Ontario, in 1867 by Foster Jenkins and Company. It was designed for versatility, capable of transporting a variety of cargoes such as stone, lumber, coal, and grain. The Schooner was integral to the Great Lakes shipping industry, serving Canadian and American ports throughout its operational life.

History

Launched in May 1867, the Annie Falconer quickly became a workhorse on the Great Lakes. Over its long career, the Schooner faced numerous challenges, including several incidents:

• June 14, 1874: Sank in the Welland Canal after striking a rock while carrying 410 tons of coal. The vessel was raised a week later.
• October 1887: Damaged in a storm after departing Oswego for Toronto, with the mainsail rigging destroyed.
• October 1893: Dragged ashore in Weller’s Bay during another storm while en route to Oswego. The Schooner was refloated the following spring with minimal damage.

Final Voyage and Sinking

On November 12, 1904, the Annie Falconer was en route from Big Sodus to Picton with a cargo of coal. Leaks developed as the wind intensified. The captain attempted to beach the vessel on Timber Island, but the Schooner sank around 2 PM. The crew escaped in the Yawl boat, enduring several hours before reaching Amherst Island. Tragically, the ship’s mate, Shell Sullivan, succumbed to exposure. The rest of the crew survived after reaching shelter.

Final Disposition

The Annie Falconer sank off Timber Island, Lake Ontario. Efforts to beach the vessel were unsuccessful, and the Schooner was lost. The wreck was rediscovered in August 1975 by Barbara Carson, Audrey Rushbrook, and Doug Pettingill. A detailed survey was conducted in 1982, solidifying its status as a significant historical and diving site.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the site. Divers and mariners exploring the area near Timber Island should exercise caution due to potential underwater hazards.

Located By & Date

The wreck was located in August 1975 and became a focus for divers and maritime historians. A comprehensive survey of the site was conducted in 1982.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Annie Falconer lies in relatively shallow water, making it an accessible and popular diving destination. The vessel’s condition, while deteriorated due to age, still provides valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and Great Lakes maritime history.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File: Historical Shipwreck Data
• 3DShipwrecks.com: Annie Falconer 3D Model
• Photo Galleries: WannaDive
• DeepQuest2: Wreck Information
• Scuba Diving Magazine: Diving Destinations

3D Model – Annie Falconer

Annie Falconer 2022 by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords

Annie Falconer, Wooden Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Timber Island, 1904 Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, 3D Shipwreck Model, Historical Diving Sites.

Analysis

The Annie Falconer exemplifies the resilience of schooners on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The vessel endured numerous challenges, including sinking and storm damage, before its ultimate loss in 1904. Rediscovered in 1975, the wreck offers a window into the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Today, the site continues to attract divers and historians, preserving the legacy of this storied Schooner.