IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The Britannia was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its two masts and reliance on wind power for propulsion. Schooners were commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting goods such as flour, ash, and other miscellaneous cargoes. The Britannia’s wooden construction was typical of vessels from this period, providing the necessary durability to navigate the often harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY
On December 20, 1853, the Britannia met its unfortunate end while sailing on Lake Ontario. The vessel was on a voyage from Kingston to Picton, Ontario, when it encountered severe ice conditions. The damage inflicted by the ice caused the schooner to become waterlogged, and despite the crew’s efforts, the Britannia eventually sank near Wolfe Island. At the time of its sinking, the Britannia was carrying a cargo that included flour, ash, and other miscellaneous goods. The specifics of the vessel’s operational history are sparse, but it was part of the bustling maritime trade network on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The Britannia lies at a shallow depth of approximately 11 feet underwater near Wolfe Island. The vessel sank due to ice damage that led to waterlogging and ultimately its sinking. The relatively shallow depth of the wreck makes it accessible to divers and even snorkelers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes maritime history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no current Notices to Mariners related to the wreck of the Britannia.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The exact date of the discovery of the Britannia wreck is not provided, nor is the identity of the discoverer. The wreck’s location near Wolfe Island has been known to local historians and divers.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
Given its wooden construction and the passage of time, the Britannia is likely in a state of significant deterioration. The wreck’s shallow depth of 11 feet makes it easily accessible for divers, and potentially visible from the surface in clear conditions. However, due to the fragility of the remaining structure, care should be taken when exploring the site to avoid further damage.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Britannia: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wrecksite Database – Britannia: Wrecksite Database
- Great Lakes Maritime Museum: Great Lakes Maritime Museum
- Historical Ice Navigation: National Snow and Ice Data Center
KEYWORDS
- Britannia, Wooden Schooner, Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario, Ice Damage, 19th Century Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History.
ANALYSIS The Britannia represents a typical 19th-century schooner that succumbed to the perilous ice conditions of Lake Ontario. Its shallow resting place near Wolfe Island provides a unique dive site for those interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The wreck is a testament to the dangers faced by early sailors and the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during the winter months. Despite the limited historical records, the Britannia’s story contributes to the broader understanding of the region’s maritime heritage.
