IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Norman was a wooden steam barge with a sloop rig, constructed in 1872 on Opinicon Lake, Ontario, Canada. Designed with a single deck and a screw propeller, the Norman was a versatile vessel used primarily for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes and nearby waterways. The ship featured a wooden hull and a single mast, typical of steam-powered barges of the era.
HISTORY: #
The Norman had a rich but challenging operational history. Built in 1872, the vessel served various owners and endured multiple incidents during its service life. Initially, the Norman was owned by I. Goodearl and others from Kingston in 1877. By 1880, ownership had transferred to D.W. Allison of Adolphustown, and in 1882, it was acquired by T. Hicks of Prince Edward County.
The vessel faced several mishaps, including a significant fire in September 1878 in Oswego, New York, which caused extensive damage. The Norman was laid up for repairs and was not returned to service until 1880. In 1881, the vessel ran aground on South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan, further challenging its resilience.
The Norman‘s final voyage occurred on November 30, 1883. While en route from Cape Vincent to Picton for lay-up, the vessel caught fire at Prinyer’s Dock in Macdonald’s Cove, Prince Edward County, Ontario. The fire broke out while the crew was asleep, forcing them to quickly abandon ship by jumping overboard. Tragically, the vessel was completely destroyed, and the captain lost his personal belongings and cash in the incident. It was believed that the fire originated near the boilers.
Following this disaster, the Norman was declared a total loss. Its registry was closed on December 29, 1883, marking the end of the vessel’s operational history.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Norman was destroyed by fire on November 30, 1883, at Prinyer’s Dock in Macdonald’s Cove, Prince Edward County, Ontario. The wreckage of the vessel remains in Prinyer’s Cove, serving as a testament to the dangers faced by steam-powered vessels navigating the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the Norman wreck site. However, mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring near Prinyer’s Cove due to the potential hazards of submerged wreckage.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the Norman was documented immediately following its destruction by fire in 1883. The site remains a point of historical interest in Prinyer’s Cove, though it is not widely explored or surveyed.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive information on shipwrecks and vessel histories in the Great Lakes region.
- Historical Newspapers: Reports from the time detailing the fire and the vessel’s final moments.
KEYWORDS: #
Norman, Wooden Steam Barge, Propeller Vessel, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Prinyer’s Cove, 1883 Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Great Lakes Incidents.
ANALYSIS: #
The Norman‘s story reflects the trials and tribulations of steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Despite its sturdy construction and several years of service, the vessel’s history was marked by multiple incidents, culminating in its tragic destruction by fire in 1883. The wreck remains a significant part of the maritime history of Lake Ontario, offering insights into the risks faced by ships and their crews during this period.
