HMS VIGILANT (1756)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Name: HMS Vigilant Type: Armed Schooner Built: 1756, Oswego, New York Builder: British Navy Final Resting Place: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The HMS Vigilant was an armed schooner, a type of small, fast, and maneuverable vessel commonly used by naval forces during the 18th century. Schooners were typically rigged with two or more masts and were favored for their speed and agility, making them suitable for patrol, reconnaissance, and escort duties. As a British naval vessel, the HMS Vigilantwould have been armed, though specific details about its armament, dimensions, and tonnage are not provided in the historical records.

HISTORY #

The HMS Vigilant was constructed in 1756 at the British naval station in Oswego, New York, as part of the British effort to assert control over the Great Lakes during the French and Indian War. The vessel was part of a fleet intended to secure British dominance over the strategic waterways and to counter French naval power in the region.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

In 1756, the HMS Vigilant participated in a naval engagement near Oswego, New York, against the French Great Lakes fleet, commanded by the French military officer Montcalm. During this battle, the Vigilant, along with several other British vessels—including the Oswego, Ontario, George, London, and Halifax—was captured by the French.

Following its capture, the HMS Vigilant was burned by the French forces, a common practice at the time to prevent captured vessels from being reclaimed or reused by the enemy. The destruction of the Vigilant marked a significant loss for the British naval presence on Lake Ontario during the French and Indian War.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

There is no specific modern record of the wreck’s discovery or identification, so no individuals or dates are associated with locating the remains of the HMS Vigilant.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the HMS Vigilant.

During the same engagement, several other British vessels were also captured and burned by the French, including:

Oswego
Ontario
George
London
Halifax

These losses were part of the broader naval conflicts on the Great Lakes during the mid-18th century, which played a significant role in the outcome of the French and Indian War.