WELLINGTON (pre-1854, Schooner)
Identification & Site Information:
•Vessel Name: WELLINGTON
•Year of Build: Before 1854
Construction and Ownership
•Vessel Type: Schooner
•Hull Materials: Wood
Vessel Type
The Wellington was a wooden-hulled schooner built before 1854. Schooners like the Wellington were widely used on the Great Lakes for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain, timber, and other goods. The ship was part of the busy maritime trade on Lake Ontario, connecting ports on both the American and Canadian sides.
History
The Wellington was primarily engaged in commercial trade on Lake Ontario. In April 1854, the schooner was transporting a cargo of peas when it encountered trouble off Poultneyville, New York. Like many vessels of its time, the Wellington was subject to the unpredictable weather and hazards that plagued shipping on the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition
On April 22, 1854, the Wellington was lost off Poultneyville, Lake Ontario. The cause of the ship’s sinking is not well documented, but it is likely that bad weather or navigational issues played a role. The vessel was carrying a cargo of peas at the time of its loss. No details about the fate of the crew have been recorded.
Located By & Date
There is no modern record of the Wellington‘s wreck being located or recovered. The ship’s remains are likely still on the lakebed near Poultneyville, but no formal discovery has been documented.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no current navigational hazards related to the Wellington’s wreck, but the waters off Poultneyville have historically seen many shipwrecks due to their challenging conditions.
Resources & Links
For further information and historical context:
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
The loss of the Wellington reflects the dangers faced by schooners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, where ships were often at the mercy of the elements and could be lost without much warning.
