Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Fred L. Wells (formerly Raney)

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Official U.S. Number: 120246

•Year Built: 1875 (originally constructed as Raney; Rebuilt and renamed in 1854)

•Builder: New Jerusalem, Ohio

•Dimensions:

•Length: 80.0 feet (24.4 meters)

•Beam: 21.7 feet (6.6 meters)

•Depth: 7.4 feet (2.3 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 75 tons

•Final Location: Four miles east of Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

•Date of Loss: November 6, 1900

•Depth: Unknown (likely shallow, given the grounding incident)

Vessel Type Description

The Fred L. Wells was a wooden-hulled Schooner originally constructed as the Raney in New Jerusalem, Ohio, in 1875. Following its Rebuild in 1854 by Shickluna in St. Catharines, it was renamed Fred L. Wells. As a Schooner, it was primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes, and it made frequent stops at Toronto’s bustling waterfront during the late 19th century.

History

Early Service

The Fred L. Wells, like many schooners of its era, played a pivotal role in Great Lakes trade. As a two-masted sailing vessel, it was adept at carrying various cargoes, including timber, grain, and other goods essential to the industries of the lakeshore communities. Owned in Buffalo, New York, the Schooner was a familiar sight in Toronto during the 1890s, emphasizing its importance in regional commerce.

Incident and Loss

On November 6, 1900, the Fred L. Wells met its fate during a severe northerly storm while traveling from Sackett’s Harbor to Oswego, running light with no cargo. The storm drove the vessel ashore four miles east of Oswego, New York, where it became stranded in heavy seas.

The Schooner’s crew faced significant danger but were ultimately rescued by Captain Anderson and his life-saving team from Oswego. Using a life-boat, the rescuers braved the turbulent waters to save the sailors. Despite these efforts, the Fred L. Wells sustained irreparable damage and was declared a Total Loss.

Legacy

The loss of the Fred L. Wells marked the end of a vessel that had been active for over two decades in Great Lakes shipping. Its story reflects the challenges faced by schooners during the volatile weather conditions of late fall on the lakes.

Final Disposition

The Fred L. Wells was destroyed by the storm and subsequent grounding. The wreck, if it remains, lies in shallow water near its final resting place, approximately four miles east of Oswego, New York. Given the nature of the wreckage and its age, it is likely to be fragmented or buried under sediment.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Fred L. Wells. Mariners and divers should consult local authorities for updates when navigating or exploring the waters near Oswego.

Located By & Date

•Located by: Not specifically documented.

•Date of Discovery: Not applicable; the wreck has not been extensively surveyed or studied.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Fred L. Wells has not been confirmed as an active dive site. Its condition is unknown, but it is likely in a deteriorated state due to its wooden construction and over a century of exposure to underwater conditions.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwrecks

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Fred L. Wells is a poignant example of the perils faced by schooners on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the crew was heroically rescued, the loss of the Schooner underscores the challenges of navigating Lake Ontario’s unpredictable weather. The ship’s history, from its construction and reconstruction to its ultimate destruction, offers valuable insights into the era’s maritime practices and the resilience of those who sailed the inland seas.

Keywords

Fred L. Wells, Raney, wooden Schooner, Oswego shipwreck, Great Lakes storm, Lake Ontario wreck, maritime history, 19th-century shipping, rescue operations.