Wreck Report: Dalhousie

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Dalhousie

•Type: Wooden Propeller-Driven Vessel

•Year Built: 1869

•Builder: Louis Shickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario

•Owner: Welland Railway Company

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 353 tons

•Net: 286 tons (later increased to 256 tons in 1871)

•Length: 144 feet (43.9 meters)

•Beam: 26.2 feet (8.0 meters)

•Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)

•Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck, powered by a 60-horsepower engine

•Location of Wreck: Approximately two miles off Charlotte, New York, Lake Ontario

•Depth of Wreck: Not documented; sank after burning to the waterline

•GPS Coordinates: Approximate location based on historical records; specific coordinates not provided

•Date of Wreck: September 26, 1872

Vessel Type Description

The Dalhousie was a wooden propeller-driven vessel, purpose-built for cargo and passenger transport on the Great Lakes. Constructed by renowned shipbuilder Louis Shickluna, the Dalhousie served as an essential link in the transportation network, connecting ports like Port Dalhousie, Kingston, Hamilton, and Oswego. Its sturdy wooden construction and single Screw Propulsion system allowed it to manage large loads while navigating the lakes’ challenging conditions.

History

The Dalhousie was launched in May 1869 and was primarily employed in passenger and cargo services, notably between Port Dalhousie and Oswego. Early in its career, the vessel faced challenges, including grounding on rocks at Long Sault Rapids in November 1868.

By 1870, it was transporting bulk goods such as salt between Kingston and Montreal, further cementing its role in regional commerce. The vessel’s Net Tonnage was adjusted to 256 tons in 1871, possibly reflecting an increase in cargo capacity due to modifications or re-measurements.

The Final Voyage

On September 26, 1872, the Dalhousie departed Kingston en route to Hamilton with a cargo of Pig Iron and general merchandise. Approximately ten hours into the journey, the vessel caught fire. The blaze spread rapidly, overwhelming the crew and passengers.

The propeller City of Concord responded to distress signals and managed to rescue all aboard. Despite efforts to tow the vessel, the fire consumed the Dalhousie to the waterline, and it sank approximately two miles off Charlotte, New York, in Lake Ontario.

The precise cause of the fire remains unknown, though it highlighted the vulnerabilities of wooden ships to onboard fires.

Final Disposition

The Dalhousie was a Total Loss following its fiery destruction and subsequent sinking. The vessel was not insured, compounding the financial blow to its owners. The site of its sinking has not been definitively located and remains uncharted in the waters of Lake Ontario.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is presumed to be in a state of advanced deterioration due to the passage of time and its wooden construction. The exact location has not been documented, and the site is not accessible for diving or exploration.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

No specific NOTMARs exist for the wreck of the Dalhousie. However, the surrounding area of Lake Ontario is known for its historical significance and other shipwrecks, which warrant cautious navigation.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of historical information

•Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, September 28, 1872

•Toronto Mail, September 28, 1872

•Canadian Sessional Papers

Impact and Legacy

The loss of the Dalhousie underscores the risks faced by 19th-century vessels operating on the Great Lakes. Fires on wooden ships were a persistent hazard, and the Dalhousie’s destruction highlights the need for improved safety measures that were largely absent during the era.

The Dalhousie’s history, from its construction by a master shipbuilder to its tragic demise, provides a vivid glimpse into the challenges of Great Lakes maritime operations in the 19th century. The vessel’s contributions to commerce and transportation remain a significant part of Lake Ontario’s maritime heritage.

Keywords

•Dalhousie Schooner

•Lake Ontario Wrecks

•Welland Railway Company

•Louis Shickluna Shipbuilder

•19th-Century Ship Fires

•Kingston to Hamilton Cargo Routes