Richmond (Schooner)
Identification & Site Information:
•Vessel Name: Richmond
•Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
•Date of Wreck: Unknown
•Location: Near Port Hope, Lake Ontario
Vessel Type Description:
The Richmond was a schooner typical of its era, designed for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. Constructed with a wooden hull, it was powered by sails and was used extensively for regional trade. Schooners like the Richmond were often employed in the lumber, grain, and general goods industries, providing essential links between smaller ports and major trading hubs.
History:
The Richmond was engaged in commerce across the Great Lakes when it met its demise in Lake Ontario. Although the exact date and circumstances of the wreck are not fully documented, the wreck was found near Port Hope. The schooner carried a cargo of unknown goods during its final voyage.
Final Disposition:
The Richmond wreck lies approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Port Hope in about 80 feet of water. It was discovered in the year 2000 by Alan Bird, alongside Ron and Robert Johns, members of the Nautilus Scuba Club of Cobourg & Port Hope.
Dive Site Features:
The Richmond wreck provides a unique diving opportunity, with the hull split open upon striking the bottom of the lake. The wreck includes notable features such as:
•Ribs and decking structures
•The ship’s wheel and large rudder
•Several rigging blocks and pulleys
•An anchor at the bow
•A boiler and other machinery components
•An old wood stove and some plates located slightly off the stern of the wreck
Notmars & Advisories:
No modern navigational warnings or obstructions are reported, but divers are advised to be cautious due to potential snagging hazards in the vicinity of the wreck.
Located By & Date:
The wreck was located by divers Alan Bird, Ron Johns, and Robert Johns in 2000.
Current Condition & Accessibility:
The Richmond wreck is relatively intact, though split open at the bottom. The wreck site is located at 80 feet and provides a rich historical diving experience. Divers need to be advanced and should exercise care while near the wreck to preserve its historical integrity.
Resources & Links:
•Nautilus Scuba Club (Divers)
•PB-Locke: Diving history and wreck discovery
Keywords:
Richmond, Schooner, Lake Ontario, Port Hope, Shipwreck, 2000 Discovery, Maritime History, Diving Site
This report highlights the story of the Richmond, a schooner that found its final resting place in the waters of Lake Ontario. Its preservation offers insight into the challenges faced by early mariners and the remains left behind in the Great Lakes.
