Advance U105051

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Advance was a schooner, a type of vessel characterized by its fore-and-aft rig on two or more masts. Schooners were widely used on the Great Lakes for their speed and ability to navigate both open waters and coastal areas. The Advance had a wooden hull, one deck, and two masts, making it a relatively small and versatile vessel for its time, particularly suited for the transportation of cargo such as coal and barley.

HISTORY #

The Advance was built in 1856 in Dexter, New York, with an official number of 105051. It was originally owned by J.C. Riggs from Dexter, New York, and had a gross tonnage of 74 tons. The vessel was primarily engaged in transporting cargo across the Great Lakes, particularly on Lake Ontario.

The Advance encountered several incidents throughout its operational life:

• September 7, 1857: The vessel was holed and sank near Alexandria Bay in the St. Lawrence River while carrying coal.
• April 1863: The schooner went ashore near the Genesee River in Lake Ontario but was successfully refloated.
• October 1870: The Advance ran aground in Oswego, New York, and was reported abandoned. The wreck was subsequently sold to farmers from Texas, New York.
• October 13, 1871: The Advance, loaded with barley, went aground on Nicholson Island in Lake Ontario.

The vessel underwent partial rebuilding during J. Kerr’s ownership, which helped extend its operational life.

Despite its resilience, the Advance eventually met its end in 1873 when it was wrecked on Lake Ontario. However, the exact details of this final incident remain unclear in the historical records.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Advance was ultimately wrecked in 1873 on Lake Ontario, marking the end of its operational life. The details of the final wreck are sparse, but the vessel is remembered for its many years of service and the multiple incidents it survived before its final demise.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck site at the coordinates provided is near Nicholson Island in Lake Ontario. The exact discovery date of the wreck is not documented, but it remains a part of Great Lakes maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

As with all wreck sites, caution is advised when navigating or diving in the area. The historical significance of the site adds to its value as a location for underwater exploration.

CONCLUSION #

The Advance represents the tenacity of schooners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, surviving numerous incidents before its final wrecking. The vessel’s history reflects the challenges faced by mariners during this era and adds to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history. The wreck site near Nicholson Island serves as a reminder of the vessel’s long service and the perils of Great Lakes navigation.