Identification & Site Information:
•Vessel Name: Pioneer
•Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
•Cargo: Coal
•Date of Wreck: June 12, 1875
•Location: Off Presqu’ile, Lake Ontario
Vessel Type Description:
The Pioneer was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The ship was loaded with coal and en route to Cobourg from Oswego or Fairhaven on the day of its sinking. These schooners, though sturdy, were often vulnerable to sudden shifts in weather and unforeseen structural issues, as was the case with the Pioneer.
History:
The Pioneer was captained by Capt. Allen, who had a small crew and passengers on board, including Mrs. Paquet, the cook, and Ida Guy, a 12-year-old girl from Oshawa. On June 12, 1875, while sailing under a fine breeze, the schooner heeled unexpectedly, bringing water into the cabin. Mrs. Paquet noticed the water and quickly alerted Capt. Allen, which prompted the crew and passengers to abandon ship.
At that point, Capt. Allen realized that the vessel was rapidly filling with water. He ordered the crew to lower the yawlboat and abandon the Pioneer. The schooner, likely damaged below the waterline, sank swiftly, just after the crew and passengers had made it into the lifeboat. Capt. Allen’s quick thinking and Mrs. Paquet’s awareness saved the lives of all eight aboard. They made it ashore at Presqu’ile, where they were assisted by Capt. George, the lighthouse keeper.
Final Disposition:
The Pioneer sank suddenly after taking on water. It is believed that the vessel opened up unexpectedly, perhaps due to a structural failure, and filled quickly, leading to its rapid descent. Fortunately, all eight people on board survived, but the schooner and its cargo of coal were lost to Lake Ontario.
Located By & Date:
The exact location of the Pioneer’s wreck has not been officially documented, but it is believed to be near Presqu’ile in Lake Ontario. There have been no official recovery efforts, and the site remains undiscovered.
Notmars & Advisories:
•No specific NOTMARs related to the Pioneer shipwreck.
•The wreck site is presumed to be off Presqu’ile, but its exact location remains unknown and inaccessible.
Current Condition & Accessibility:
The wreck of the Pioneer has not been located, and its condition is unknown. Given the time that has passed since its sinking in 1875, it is likely in a state of significant decay. The site is not currently marked or accessible for diving.
Resources & Links:
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Keywords:
Pioneer, Schooner, Presqu’ile, Lake Ontario, Shipwreck, Capt. Allen, Mrs. Paquet, 19th Century, Maritime History
Analysis:
The story of the Pioneer highlights the dangers faced by schooners on the Great Lakes, even during seemingly favorable weather. The vessel’s sudden sinking underscores the importance of vigilance and the potential for hidden structural damage. The crew’s successful escape from what could have been a deadly situation was thanks to the quick actions of both Capt. Allen and Mrs. Paquet, a testament to the perilous nature of 19th-century lake navigation.