ROVER U11150

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The vessel believed to be the Rover was a wooden sloop, a type of small sailing vessel characterized by its single mast and fore-and-aft rigging. Sloops like the Rover were well-regarded for their maneuverability and speed, making them popular for both recreational sailing and small-scale transport across the Great Lakes. The Rover was modest in size, with dimensions of 36 feet in length, 11 feet in beam, and a depth of 3 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 7 tons, indicating it was built for light, nimble sailing rather than heavy cargo transport.

HISTORY #

Built in 1897 in Alexandria Bay, New York, the Rover was a finely crafted wooden sloop that served on the waters of Lake Ontario. The vessel’s construction reflected the craftsmanship of the era, combining practicality with the aesthetics of traditional sailing vessels. For nearly two decades, the Rover sailed the Great Lakes, navigating the often challenging waters with grace and reliability.

However, the Rover’s service came to an abrupt end on November 19, 1915. During a powerful storm, the sloop was stranded and ultimately wrecked in the shallows near Galloo Island. The vessel’s final voyage ended in tragedy, though fortunately, there were no reported casualties associated with the incident. The Rover’s remains settled in the waters near Galloo Island, where they remained unidentified for many years.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Rover was stranded and wrecked during a storm on November 19, 1915, near Galloo Island in Lake Ontario. The vessel was stranded in the shallow waters, and despite the severe conditions, there were no reported casualties. The Rover was ultimately abandoned, its wreck left to the elements and time, gradually becoming part of the underwater landscape of Lake Ontario.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Rover. However, the area around Galloo Island is known for its numerous shipwrecks, and caution is advised when navigating these waters, particularly for divers exploring the wreck sites.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The unidentified hull at Galloo Island, potentially identified as the Rover, was discovered during an ongoing investigation by the SLD team and other maritime researchers. The exact date of discovery is not documented, but the research and identification efforts are part of a broader initiative to uncover the history of shipwrecks in the area.