Shotline Diving - The Great Lakes GotoWilliam Jamieson C 75912

Table of Contents

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: William Jamieson (also known as Jamison)
Type: Wooden Schooner
Year Built: 1878
Builder: W. Jamieson, Deseronto, Ontario
Dimensions: Length: 100 feet (30.48 meters) Beam: 25 feet (7.62 meters) Depth: 9 feet (2.74 meters)
Registered Tonnage: 143 tons
Depth at Wreck Site: 60 feet (18.29 meters)
Location: Amherst Island, Lake Ontario
Coordinates: N 44 08.865’ W 76 47.625’
Official Number: 75912
Original Owners: John McLelland, William Cann, and David Galbraith
Number of Masts: 2

Vessel Type

Description

The William Jamieson was a two-masted wooden Schooner featuring a square Stern and lacking a figurehead, embodying the robust design typical of late 19th-century Great Lakes cargo vessels. With a Gross Tonnage of 143 tons, it was constructed to efficiently transport goods such as coal and agricultural products across the lakes. Its construction reflects the maritime traditions of Deseronto, Ontario, a notable shipbuilding hub during that era.

History

Launched in 1878 by builder W. Jamieson, the Schooner initially operated under the ownership of John McLelland, William Cann, and David Galbraith. Throughout its service, the vessel changed hands, being owned by Mary Savage of Picton and later by Chancy Daryaw of Kingston. The William Jamieson was actively engaged in transporting goods across Lake Ontario and the broader Great Lakes region, enduring various challenges, including severe storms that necessitated significant repairs.

Significant Incidents:

April 1891: The Schooner required major repairs after a storm damaged its mainmast.
May 15, 1923: While en route from Oswego to Napanee with a cargo of hard coal, the William Jamieson encountered a severe storm off Amherst Island. The vessel began leaking significantly, prompting Captain Patrick McManus and his crew to abandon ship. They escaped in a lifeboat and reached safety, but the Schooner ultimately sank and was declared a Total Loss. citeturn0search3

Final Disposition

The wreck of the William Jamieson was discovered in the 1970s by divers. It rests upright in approximately 75 feet (22.9 meters) of water in the North Channel, about a quarter-mile west of the northern end of Barry Point, Amherst Island. The bow is shattered, indicating a forceful impact with the lakebed during its sinking. Artifacts recovered from the site, including a brass compass, steam whistle, and crockery, provide insights into the vessel’s operational history.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck remains in good condition, with much of the Hull intact despite the damaged bow. Situated at a depth of 75 feet (22.9 meters), it is accessible to divers with moderate experience. The relatively calm conditions at the site have contributed to the preservation of the wreck, making it a valuable location for exploration and study.

Resources & Links

Dive Site Information: Shipwreck World – William Jamieson
Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Historical Records: Naval Marine Archive – William Jamieson
David Swayze Shipwreck File
Diving the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Vol 1 NTDMM

The William Jamieson exemplifies the resilience and challenges faced by wooden schooners navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Serving for 45 years, the vessel played a crucial role in regional trade, transporting essential cargo across Lake Ontario. Its loss in 1923 marked the end of an era for such schooners, which were gradually supplanted by steam-powered ships. The discovery and preservation of the wreck offer valuable insights into historical shipbuilding practices and maritime operations, ensuring that the legacy of the William Jamieson endures as a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes..