Identification & Site Information

•Name: Hibernia

•Other Names: Not specified

•Registry: Not specified

•Rig: Wooden Schooner

•Built: Before 1822

•Hull Material: Wood

•Dimensions: Not specified

•Final Location: False Duck Islands, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Latitude 43.91985°N, Longitude 76.60814°W

•Water Depth: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The Hibernia was a wooden Schooner, representative of the early 19th-century Great Lakes vessels. Schooners of this period were built with single decks and designed to be versatile and durable, allowing them to transport cargo efficiently across the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. The Hibernia was primarily engaged in trade between Kingston and Toronto, a critical route for economic activity in the region during the early 1800s.

History

Date of Incident: November 17, 1822

The Hibernia met its end while traveling from Kingston to Toronto. Dense fog obscured Visibility, causing the Schooner to run aground on the False Duck Islands in Lake Ontario.

Significant Events:

•The crew was rescued despite the hazardous conditions.

•Most of the cargo was salvaged, except for some casks of sugar that were lost to the lake.

•The rescue effort involved two boats: one from the Dockyard and a Durham boat. Both were lost during the operation, reflecting the challenges of early salvage and rescue efforts.

Final Disposition

The Hibernia was declared unrecoverable after grounding on the False Duck Islands on November 17, 1822. The incident marked the end of her service on Lake Ontario.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) linked to the wreck of the Hibernia. Mariners navigating near the False Duck Islands are advised to exercise caution due to the area’s history of treacherous conditions.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s approximate location is recorded at N43.91985° W76.60814°, near the False Duck Islands. The condition of the wreck has not been explored or documented in detail.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current state of the wreck is unknown, and given the date of the incident, it is likely that little remains of the vessel. The wreck may be buried under sediment or scattered due to natural forces. Accessibility for diving or exploration has not been documented.

Resources & Links

1.Great Lakes Ships Database: A source for vessel and shipwreck information.

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records and accounts of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

Keywords

Hibernia, Schooner, Shipwreck, Lake Ontario, False Duck Islands, Great Lakes Maritime History, Kingston, Toronto, Cargo Transport.

Analysis

The Hibernia exemplifies the early era of Great Lakes commerce, when schooners were the backbone of regional trade. Its wreck in 1822 highlights the challenges of navigating the lakes during a time of limited technology and rudimentary navigational aids. The incident underscores the resilience of the crews who faced these conditions, as demonstrated by the successful salvage of most cargo and the crew’s survival despite the loss of rescue boats. Today, the story of the Hibernia offers valuable insights into the Maritime History of the Great Lakes and the inherent risks of early shipping routes.