IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Hibernia was a wooden schooner with a single deck, typical of early 19th-century Great Lakes vessels designed for cargo transport. Schooners of this period were built for versatility and durability, capable of navigating the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. The Hibernia was engaged in transporting goods between Kingston and Toronto, a common trade route in the early 1800s.
HISTORY: #
- Date of Incident: November 17, 1822
- Final Voyage: The Hibernia was en route from Kingston to Toronto when it encountered dense fog while navigating Lake Ontario. The vessel ran aground on the treacherous False Duck Islands, resulting in a wreck. Despite the perilous situation, the crew was rescued, and most of the cargo was salvaged, with the exception of some casks of sugar that were lost to the lake.
- Significant Events:
- The schooner struck the False Duck Islands on November 17, 1822, due to limited visibility caused by dense fog.
- While most of the cargo was salvaged, two boats involved in the rescue operations, including one from the Dockyard and a Durham boat, were lost in the process.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Hibernia was wrecked on November 17, 1822, after running aground on the False Duck Islands. The vessel was not recoverable, and the wreck marked the end of her service on Lake Ontario.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Hibernia.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck is located near the False Duck Islands, Lake Ontario, at the coordinates N43.91985 W-76.60814. The exact condition of the wreck is not detailed, and there are no known explorations or salvage operations since the time of the wreck.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The current condition of the Hibernia wreck is unknown. Given the early date of the wreck, it is likely that the remains are minimal or buried in sediment. The site’s accessibility for diving or exploration has not been documented.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: #
Hibernia, schooner, shipwreck, Lake Ontario, False Duck Islands, maritime history, Great Lakes, Kingston, Toronto, cargo transport
ANALYSIS: #
The Hibernia represents the early era of Great Lakes shipping, when schooners were vital to the transportation of goods across the vast inland seas. The schooner’s unfortunate demise in 1822 near the False Duck Islands underscores the dangers of early maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and limited navigational aids often led to disaster. The successful salvage of most of the cargo, despite the loss of the vessel and rescue boats, reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of the crews operating on the lakes during this period.
