Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description The Fabiola was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel that was commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners like the Fabiola were known for their agility and capacity, often utilized for transporting bulk goods across the lakes. These vessels typically featured two or more masts with fore-and-aft rigged sails, making them ideal for the often variable wind conditions on the Great Lakes.
History The schooner Fabiola has a storied history spanning several decades, beginning with its construction in 1852 under the name Royal Oak in Oakville, Ontario. It was originally registered with the official Canadian number 72577. Throughout its early years, the vessel experienced multiple incidents, including running ashore in Port Burwell, Ontario, in October 1853, and sinking in Port Stanley, Ontario, on Lake Erie in October 1856.
Ownership of the Fabiola changed hands several times over the years. Notable owners included Burton & Rowe of Whitby, Ontario, in 1860, William Abercrombie of Picton, Ontario, in 1865, Charles Wilson of Picton in 1868, Felix Lennon of Picton in 1870, and James O’Mara of Lombardy, Ontario, in 1875.
In 1876, the schooner underwent a significant rebuild by James O’Mara in Portsmouth, Ontario, where it was renamed Fabiola. Following the rebuild, the vessel had a tonnage of 175 tons. By 1886, Fabiola was owned by Ostrander & Company of Picton. The vessel measured 95 feet in length, 23 feet in width, and 9 feet in depth, with a tonnage of 131 tons at that time.
Tragedy struck on October 21, 1900, when the Fabiola foundered off False Duck Island in Lake Ontario while carrying a cargo of coal. Despite the vessel’s age of 30 years at the time, it remained a functional and essential part of the Great Lakes maritime trade. Unfortunately, the schooner sank during a storm, and the crew narrowly escaped with their lives, fleeing in their yawl boat and making it to McDonald’s Cove. The vessel, owned by Captain Bates of Picton, was uninsured, leading to a total loss of both the ship and its cargo.
Final Disposition The Fabiola met its end on October 21, 1900, when it foundered off False Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The wreck now lies at a depth of approximately 55 feet (18 meters) and serves as a significant historical site, representing the many dangers faced by schooners operating on the Great Lakes at the turn of the century.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Fabiola. However, its location near False Duck Island may be of interest to divers and maritime historians.
Located By & Date The wreck of the Fabiola is located near False Duck Island, at coordinates N 43°56.62′ W 76°47.50′. The site has likely been identified by local divers and maritime historians due to its relatively shallow depth and historical significance.
Current Condition & Accessibility The Fabiola lies at a depth of 55 feet (18 meters), making it accessible to divers. The wreck’s location near False Duck Island in Lake Ontario offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes maritime history. Given the age of the wreck and the conditions under which it sank, the vessel is likely in a state of decay, but it may still retain recognizable features, such as parts of the hull and other structural elements.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical data on Great Lakes vessels, including the Fabiola.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, potentially including the Fabiola.
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including the Fabiola.
Keywords Fabiola, schooner, False Duck Island, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, coal cargo, maritime history, Great Lakes
Analysis The Fabiola‘s long and varied history is a testament to the resilience of wooden schooners that served the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. From its early days as the Royal Oak to its eventual renaming and service as the Fabiola, this vessel played a significant role in regional maritime trade, particularly in transporting coal and other bulk goods. The tragedy of its sinking off False Duck Island in 1900 highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation, especially as vessels aged and faced increasingly challenging conditions. The wreck site remains a poignant reminder of the many ships and crews that braved the waters of Lake Ontario, contributing to the economic development of the region while enduring the constant threat of disaster.
