IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Philip M was a wooden schooner, a type of vessel commonly used throughout the 19th century on the Great Lakes. Schooners were favored for their versatility and efficiency in transporting various cargoes, including lumber, grain, and other goods, across the lakes. These vessels typically had one or more masts and were well-suited for the often harsh and unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The Philip M was constructed sometime before 1889, though specific details regarding its builder, original owner, and early history are not well documented. As a schooner, the Philip M would have been part of the bustling maritime trade network that connected ports around the Great Lakes, facilitating the flow of goods necessary for the economic development of the region.
The Philip M operated primarily on Lake Ontario, one of the key waterways in this network. The vessel’s service life likely included numerous voyages between the lakes’ ports, transporting goods essential for commerce and industry in the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Philip M met its end on May 17, 1889, when it foundered off the coast of Port Weller, Ontario, in Lake Ontario. “Foundered” typically indicates that the vessel took on water and sank, often due to severe weather, structural failure, or a combination of factors. The specific circumstances leading to the foundering of the Philip M are not detailed in the records. The incident would have been a tragic loss, both for the crew and the owners, as well as for the local maritime community.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
Located by: Not specified; the wreck site has not been definitively identified in available records.
Date of Discovery: Not applicable.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Philip M wreck site. The location off Port Weller is not known to pose a significant hazard to current navigation, and the wreck, if it remains, is not marked on navigational charts.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A valuable resource for additional historical context and data on the Philip M and similar vessels.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Provides detailed accounts of shipwrecks across the Great Lakes, including the Philip M.
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library: The source of this record, known for its extensive maritime collections, particularly related to the Great Lakes.
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the Philip M off Port Weller, Ontario, is a poignant reminder of the many risks faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The foundering of this wooden schooner adds to the long list of shipwrecks that have contributed to the rich, albeit tragic, maritime history of Lake Ontario. Although details about the vessel’s construction and early operations are sparse, the Philip M played a role in the vital commercial activity of the region before its untimely demise.
