Prince of Wales (later known as Sligo)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Name: Prince of Wales (later known as Sligo) Type: Schooner Barge (originally a Barkentine) Dimensions: Length 134 feet, Beam 23 feet, Depth 11.8 feet Depth: Approximately 66 feet (20 meters) Location: Humber Bay, Lake Ontario, near Toronto, Ontario, Canada Coordinates: N 43° 36.900′ W 079° 27.088′ Construction: Wooden hull with a single deck Builder: Louis Shickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario Year Built: 1860 Original Owner: John Campbell Graham, St. Catharines, Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Prince of Wales was originally constructed as a barkentine, a type of sailing vessel with three or more masts, where the foremast is square-rigged and the other masts carry fore-and-aft sails. Over its operational life, it was converted into a “three & after” schooner and later into a schooner-barge. This transformation reflects the vessel’s adaptability to the changing needs of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. The wooden hull construction was typical of the era, providing both durability and capacity for various cargoes, such as oil and stone.

HISTORY #

The Prince of Wales was launched in 1860, during a time when maritime trade on the Great Lakes was a critical component of economic activity in the region. Originally owned by John Campbell Graham of St. Catharines, Ontario, the vessel initially served as a barkentine, making significant voyages, including a notable trip from Sarnia, Ontario, to Liverpool, England, carrying a cargo of oil in 1862.

Throughout its service, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds and ownership changes, reflecting its continuous use and the evolving needs of its operators. The most significant modifications occurred in 1862-63 when it was converted into a schooner, and again in 1893 when it was converted into a schooner-barge at James Simpson Shipyard in Port McNicoll, Ontario. These changes reduced its tonnage to 284 tons, making it more suitable for the heavy cargo trade prevalent on the Great Lakes.

The Prince of Wales faced several challenges, including grounding incidents and being buried in a slip due to the collapse of Adamson’s Elevator around 1910. Despite these setbacks, it continued to serve various owners, including Point Anne Quarries, Ltd., until its final voyage.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Prince of Wales met its demise on September 5, 1918, during a thunderstorm on Lake Ontario. The vessel was carrying a cargo of stone when it grounded and sank in Humber Bay, near Toronto Island. The wreck now lies at a depth of 66 feet in Lake Ontario, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The sunken remains of the Prince of Wales were discovered by SCUBA diver Don MacIntyre in 1987, near Toronto, Ontario. The wreck is a significant find, offering insight into the vessel’s construction and the maritime history of the region.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the Prince of Wales rests at a depth of 66 feet, making it accessible to experienced divers. The wooden hull, while weathered by over a century underwater, remains a fascinating site for underwater exploration. Divers can observe the structure of the vessel and remnants of its final cargo of stone.