Shipwreck Report: Admiral

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Admiral

•Type: Schooner (Scow-built)

•Build Year: 1852

•Builder: Not specified

•Build Location: Port Hope, Ontario

•Owners:

•1852: George Wright, Port Hope

•1860: G.M. Post, Oswego, New York

•1863-1865: Myles and Bro., Hamilton

•1866: William Miles, Toronto

•Dimensions: Not specified

•Tonnage: 167 tons (old style measurement)

•Power Source: Sail (Two masts)

•Construction: Wood, one Deck

•Final Location: Toronto Point, Lake Ontario

•Final Voyage Date: November 4, 1867

•Wreck Date: November 4, 1867 (Possibly 1874 according to some records)

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Condition: Total Loss

Vessel Type Description

The Admiral was a scow-built Schooner, a utilitarian type of vessel common during the mid-19th century. Scows were characterized by their flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged hulls, broad beams, and shallow drafts, making them ideal for hauling heavy cargoes, such as timber, stone, and grain, on the Great Lakes. With two masts and a single Deck, the Admiral was a practical, durable vessel that fit the needs of its era. Its A1 Hull rating emphasized its strength and reliability.

History

The Admiral was launched in 1852 at Port Hope, Ontario, and originally owned by George Wright. It was built to navigate and transport goods across the Great Lakes, a critical lifeline for commerce during the 19th century. Over its 15 years of operation, the Admiral saw multiple changes in ownership, reflecting its ongoing utility and value. By 1866, William Miles of Toronto was the last recorded owner.

The vessel underwent significant refastening and strengthening in 1861, a common practice to extend the service life of wooden ships. These reinforcements ensured the Admiral remained seaworthy despite the demanding conditions of lake navigation.

Final Incident

On November 4, 1867, the Admiral met its tragic end during a violent gale at Toronto Point on Lake Ontario. The ship was declared a Total Loss, valued at £1,200 Sterling. The same storm stranded another vessel, the Orion, also owned by Myles Bros., which was later refloated with minimal damage.

There is some uncertainty in historical accounts, as alternate records suggest the wreck occurred in 1874. Regardless of the exact date, the Admiral was destroyed during a severe storm, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The Admiral was wrecked and Abandoned at Toronto Point, Lake Ontario, during a gale. No efforts were made to salvage the vessel, and it was declared a Total Loss. The circumstances surrounding the wreck remain poorly documented, and the precise site of the wreck is unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The exact location and condition of the wreck of the Admiral are not documented in historical records. Given the significant passage of time, it is unlikely that any substantial remains of the vessel are intact. The site may hold historical interest but is not considered an accessible wreck for diving or exploration.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive database of historical vessels.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository of Great Lakes maritime heritage.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed archival records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Admiral was a workhorse of its time, reflecting the essential role of schooners in facilitating commerce on the Great Lakes. Its service history, multiple owners, and eventual loss during a gale highlight the challenges faced by sailors and shipowners in the 19th century. Although the wreck’s location and condition remain uncertain, the Admiral stands as a symbol of resilience and the maritime legacy of Lake Ontario.

Keywords

•Admiral

•Scow-built Schooner

•Toronto Point shipwreck

•Great Lakes maritime history

•19th-century Schooner

•Lake Ontario gale 1867

•Myles and Bro. shipping