CARTHAGINIAN

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Other Names

CARTHAGENIA
CARTHAGENIAN

A Tale of Peril and Rescue on Lake Ontario

The Carthaginian, a schooner that sailed the waters of Lake Ontario during the mid-19th century, met its unfortunate fate in a powerful storm. Built in 1855 in Oswego, New York, this two-masted wooden vessel played a crucial role in transporting wheat and other raw materials between the Midwest and eastern cities. However, on November 29, 1867, the Carthaginian fell victim to treacherous weather conditions, leading to a dramatic rescue operation and the loss of the ship. In this article, we delve into the history, specifications, and the dramatic events surrounding the Carthaginian’s final moments.

The Carthaginian was a wooden schooner measuring 139 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and 12 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 405 and a net tonnage of 374. Built by A. Miller in Oswego’s East Cove, New York, the vessel was owned by Lyons & Finney of Oswego. Captain Amasa Stowell commanded the ship during its ill-fated voyage.

On the fateful day of November 29, 1867, the Carthaginian faced a violent storm while entering Oswego harbor. A high wind tore out the ship’s bowsprit and headgear, rendering it uncontrollable. Helplessly drifting, the vessel eventually foundered on the rocks at Baldwin Bay, just below Oswego. Despite the perilous situation, the crew managed to reach shore with the assistance of the Oswego harbormaster and local shipmasters. They bravely manned a small boat, which was lowered over a 75-foot cliff to rescue the stranded crew from the ship’s perch. Miraculously, no lives were lost during this harrowing ordeal.

Following the wreck, the Carthaginian remained stranded on the deck overnight, battered by the elements. The next morning, the crew was successfully rescued from the vessel. As days passed, the hull began to give way, causing the grain cargo to spill into the waters. This spectacle attracted many residents who ventured to the beached wreck to witness the aftermath. Although salvage efforts were undertaken, the Carthaginian ultimately became another testament to the maritime history of the region.

The Carthaginian, a schooner that plied the waters of Lake Ontario, met a tragic end during a powerful storm near Oswego, New York. Its valiant crew, aided by the Oswego harbormaster and local shipmasters, narrowly escaped the vessel’s clutches and the unforgiving elements. The Carthaginian’s wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and the vital role played by ships in transporting goods during the 19th century. Today, the Carthaginian’s story contributes to our understanding of historic shipwrecks and the resilience of past generations.