IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Edith Sewell (also known as Edith Sewall)

Vessel Type: Schooner (also reported as a steam screw)

Build Date: 1874

Build Location: Chaumont, New York

Official Number: 135011

Gross Tonnage: 9 tons

Hull Material: Wood

Wreck Location: Near the head of Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario

Depth: Approximately 40 feet (12.2 meters)

Coordinates: Exact location not yet identified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Edith Sewell was a wooden Schooner, and some accounts suggest it may have included auxiliary steam power. Small in size, with a Gross Tonnage of only 9 tons, the vessel was tailored for regional cargo transport. The Schooner primarily supported the Great Lakes fishing industry, transporting fresh catches from Georgian Bay to market towns, a vital economic activity in the late 19th century.

HISTORY

Construction and Purpose

Built in 1874 in Chaumont, New York, the Edith Sewell served as a cargo vessel for short-haul transport across Lake Ontario. Designed to carry fish, it was an essential link in the supply chain for the Great Lakes fishing industry, ensuring fresh fish reached markets efficiently.

Sinking Incident

In August 1883, tragedy struck as the Schooner sank near the head of Wolfe Island. The exact circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, but it resulted in the Total Loss of the vessel and its cargo of fish.

•Crew Survival: Captain Alex Bailey and the crew managed to survive by clinging to the wreckage. They were eventually rescued by local fishermen, showcasing the perilous conditions and risks faced by small vessels in this region.

Recovery Efforts

Efforts to locate and recover the Edith Sewell were conducted shortly after the incident. Grappling operations were employed but ultimately failed to find the wreck. Portions of the Schooner’s upper structure later washed ashore on Wolfe Island, providing clues to its tragic fate but complicating precise identification of the wreck site.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Edith Sewell was valued at $3,000, a significant sum reflecting its importance to its owners and the local economy. Despite recovery attempts, the wreck remains lost in Lake Ontario, near the head of Wolfe Island. The vessel’s loss underscores the inherent dangers of maritime transport on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies at an estimated depth of 40 feet, making it potentially accessible to divers. However, its exact location remains unknown, and its condition is presumed to be poor due to the passage of time and the environmental conditions of Lake Ontario. Scattered wreckage further complicates efforts to locate and assess the site.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive archive of Great Lakes shipwrecks and maritime incidents.

•Great Lakes Maritime Database: Extensive information on regional vessels, including schooners like the Edith Sewell.

•Wrecksite EU: Global resource for shipwreck identification and research.

ANALYSIS

The Edith Sewell represents the critical role small schooners played in supporting Great Lakes commerce and industry. Its sinking in 1883, while transporting fish, highlights the challenges and dangers of navigating Lake Ontario. The survival of the crew stands as a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes mariners, even as the loss of the Schooner underscores the unpredictability of maritime life in the 19th century.

KEYWORDS

Edith Sewell, Schooner, Wolfe Island Shipwreck, Lake Ontario Shipwrecks, Chaumont New York, 19th Century Maritime History, Great Lakes Commerce, Fishing Transport, Lost Schooner Wreck.