Artwork by Tom Rutledge

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: PERSIA (also known as Peter 1, Masts Down, PPK)
• Type of Wreck: Stone Hooker Schooner
• Location: Approximately six miles off Point Petre, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 43° 48.315’ W 77° 03.34’
• Dimensions: Length: 101.5 feet (30.9 meters), Breadth: 24.8 feet (7.6 meters), Depth: 9.66 feet (2.9 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 160.95 tons
• Site Status: Submerged near Point Petre in Lake Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The PERSIA was a robust two-masted Schooner built in 1867 in Hamilton, Ontario, specifically for stone hooking, a practice that involved gathering stones from lakebeds for use in construction. With a carvel wood Hull and sails as its propulsion, the PERSIA was a reliable vessel tailored to transport heavy stone across the often unpredictable Great Lakes waters. Its design reflected the demands of the stone trade, which played a crucial role in Ontario’s 19th-century infrastructure development.

HISTORY

The PERSIA was emblematic of the bustling maritime activity of the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Owned by various individuals and enterprises over its lifetime, the vessel was essential to the region’s stone trade. Key moments in its history include:

•Rebuild in 1888:

Under ownership by David O’Hagan of Picton, Ontario, and David O. Allison of Adolphustown, Ontario, the Schooner underwent a significant Rebuild to improve its durability and capacity.

•Life Aboard:

Known for its unique feature, a pet raccoon became a memorable part of the crew, often seen roaming the Deck, chained to a light pail to prevent it from climbing the rigging.

The Storm of 1891

On September 8, 1891, the PERSIA faced a devastating storm while carrying building stone from Kingston to Toronto. The Schooner Foundered six miles off Point Petre Light. Despite the loss of the vessel, the crew and their pet raccoon managed to escape safely in a Yawl boat.

Post-Storm Attempts to Salvage

In 1893-1894, efforts were made to repair the PERSIA for a return to service. Unfortunately, during a subsequent voyage, the Schooner began taking on water and sank off Long Point. The crew and the raccoon again survived, but the ship’s story ended in final loss.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The PERSIA sank during the storm of September 8, 1891, and lies submerged near Point Petre in Lake Ontario. The wreck is of interest to divers and maritime historians and remains an example of the resilience and perils faced by 19th-century schooners.

LOCATED BY & DATE

Historical records have documented the PERSIA’s wreck location, though modern dives have yet to extensively survey the site. The coordinates are well-known in the shipwreck diving community, and the site offers opportunities for further exploration.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are tied directly to the wreck of the PERSIA. Divers should consult current navigational advisories and exercise caution when exploring near Point Petre.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive data on Great Lakes vessels and wrecks.
• Stone Hooking in Ontario – Ontario Heritage Trust: Historical context on stone hooking.
• Great Lakes Vessels Online Index: Detailed information on regional ships.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A repository of Great Lakes shipwreck records.
• Shipwreck Stories: Archival anecdotes and documented histories of lost vessels.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Conservation and exploration efforts for Ontario’s underwater heritage.
• University of Detroit Mercy Special Collections: Historical maritime archives.
• Library and Archives Canada: National archival resources on Canadian maritime history.

KEYWORDS

PERSIA | Stone Hooker Schooner | Lake Ontario Shipwreck | Point Petre | 19th Century Great Lakes Trade | Pet Raccoon | Kingston to Toronto Maritime Route | Foundering in Storm | Historical Schooner | Ontario Maritime History

ANALYSIS

The PERSIA represents the rugged ingenuity of 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its specialized purpose in the stone trade, combined with its notable rebuilds and the unique anecdote of its pet raccoon, highlight the Schooner’s cultural and economic importance. Its loss in 1891 during a fierce storm underscores the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation and serves as a poignant reminder of the lives and livelihoods tied to these historic vessels.