Shipwreck Report: ALBATROSS

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: ALBATROSS

•Registry: Canada

•Builder: Hiram Conkrite

•Year Built: 1867

•Location: Salmon Point, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: Not specifically provided

•Depth: Shallow waters, close to the shore

•Condition: Wrecked and Abandoned

Vessel Type Description

The ALBATROSS was a wooden, two-masted Schooner designed for general cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the ALBATROSS were an integral part of the 19th-century maritime trade, offering efficiency and adaptability to the often-challenging waters of the region. With dimensions of 92 feet in length, 20.9 feet in beam, and 8.9 feet in depth, the vessel had a Gross Tonnage of 142.5 tons. Its construction made it particularly suitable for hauling goods such as shingles, timber, and other essential materials.

History

Built in 1867 in Oakville, Ontario, the ALBATROSS served the bustling Great Lakes economy. Over its career, it changed ownership several times, with its last recorded owner being Thomas Hyden of Port Hope, Ontario. The Schooner transported critical goods across the lakes, maintaining regional commerce.

On November 7, 1880, the ALBATROSS encountered a violent storm while sailing from Port Hope to Oswego, New York. The gale severely damaged the vessel’s rigging and rudder, rendering it adrift. Ice accumulation on the rigging added approximately 150 tons of weight, further compromising the vessel’s stability. Ultimately, the Schooner ran aground near Wellington, Ontario, at Salmon Point in Prince Edward County. Despite the damage and the perilous conditions, the crew managed to escape unharmed. Salvage operations to refloat the ship failed due to the severe weather, and the ALBATROSS was Abandoned.

Final Disposition

The ALBATROSS was stripped of any salvageable materials after running aground and declared a Total Loss. Its remains were left at Salmon Point, where the vessel succumbed to the elements over time.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the ALBATROSS lies in shallow waters near Salmon Point. The exact condition of the site is unknown, but given its age, it is presumed to be highly deteriorated. Shifting sands and the effects of time may have obscured much of the vessel’s structure. The site is accessible to divers and local enthusiasts, offering historical intrigue and a glimpse into 19th-century maritime trade.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

Keywords

Schooner, ALBATROSS, Lake Ontario, Salmon Point, Prince Edward County, Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th Century Navigation, Wellington, Maritime Relics

Analysis

The ALBATROSS illustrates the treacherous conditions faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Designed to bolster the regional economy, it endured years of service before meeting its end in a fierce storm. The wreck serves as a silent monument to the resilience of the sailors and the critical role of schooners in maritime commerce. The story of the ALBATROSS enriches the historical narrative of Lake Ontario and underscores the ever-present dangers of Great Lakes navigation.