Dimensions: 131.8 x 23.6 x 11 289 TOS
Type of Wreck: 3 Masted Bark
Location of Wreck: Timber Island
Place and Builder: Montreal PQ, C42742
Year Built: 1853
Mooring
On Sunday morning, the bark WATERWITCH, carrying a cargo of iron from Kingston to Cleveland, foundered off South Bay in Lake Ontario. The incident resulted in the total loss of the vessel. Fortunately, the crew managed to reach shore safely using a small boat.
The WATERWITCH had a significant history prior to the unfortunate event. In 1853, it embarked on a voyage to Liverpool, England, transporting a load of flour. Ownership of the vessel changed over the years, with John Campbell of Kingston acquiring it on December 26, 1854. Subsequently, Walker & Barry of Kingston took ownership in 1860, with the vessel’s tonnage recorded at 430 tons. Major repairs were conducted in 1862, reducing its tonnage to 365 tons. R.R. Perryn of Kingston became the new owner in 1863, increasing the vessel’s tonnage to 392 tons. Ownership changed hands once again in 1866, with A. Finnimore of Kingston assuming control, while the tonnage remained at 365 tons. Finally, at the time of the incident in 1869, the WATERWITCH was owned by James Swift of Kingston.
The sinking of the WATERWITCH near Timber Island in Lake Ontario adds to the list of marine disasters that occurred on the Western Lakes during 1869, as reported by Captain J.W. Hall.
