BRITANNIA (pre-1853, Schooner)
Identification & Site Information:
•Vessel Name: BRITANNIA
•Year of Build: Before 1853
Construction and Ownership
•Vessel Type: Schooner
•Hull Materials: Wood
•Number of Decks: 1
Power and Masts
•Number of Masts: 2
Vessel Type
The Britannia was a two-masted wooden schooner built before 1853. Schooners were a common type of vessel on the Great Lakes, known for their efficiency in transporting bulk cargoes such as flour, lumber, and other goods. The Britannia operated as a cargo ship between ports in Ontario, moving goods like flour and ash.
History
On December 20, 1853, the Britannia was en route from Kingston to Picton, Ontario, carrying a cargo that included flour and ash. While sailing on Lake Ontario near Wolfe Island, the ship encountered harsh winter conditions. The vessel was damaged by ice and became waterlogged, causing it to sink. Although details of any crew losses are not documented, the incident is a typical example of the challenges faced by ships navigating Lake Ontario during winter, where ice and storms could quickly turn perilous.
Final Disposition
The Britannia sank on December 20, 1853, near Wolfe Island, Ontario, in Lake Ontario. The waterlogged ship was carrying flour, ash, and other goods when it went down, likely due to ice damage. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 11 feet, making it relatively shallow.
Located By & Date
There is no specific record of the wreck being located in modern times, but given its shallow depth near Wolfe Island, it may be accessible to divers or researchers.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no recorded modern navigation hazards linked to the wreck of the Britannia, but the area around Wolfe Island is known for numerous shipwrecks and treacherous winter sailing conditions.
Resources & Links
For additional research and historical information, consider these resources:
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
The sinking of the Britannia highlights the risks faced by schooners operating on the Great Lakes during winter, when ice and storms were frequent threats to vessels and their cargoes.
