BRITANNIA (1819, Schooner)
Identification & Site Information:
•Vessel Name: BRITANNIA
•Year of Build: 1819
Construction and Ownership
•Built at: Wellington Square, Ontario
•Vessel Type: Schooner
•Hull Materials: Wood
•Number of Decks: 1
•Builder Name: Roberts
•Original Owner: M. Brooks
Power and Masts
•Number of Masts: 2
Hull Dimensions
•Tonnage (Old Style): 100 tons
Vessel Type
The Britannia was a wooden, two-masted schooner built in 1819 at Wellington Square, Ontario. Schooners like the Britannia were common for their versatility and cargo capacity, primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. This vessel was designed to carry various bulk goods, including grain, timber, and other materials, and served the bustling shipping routes of Lake Ontario.
History
The Britannia operated for over two decades, servicing ports across Lake Ontario and beyond. By the time of its final voyage in 1841, the vessel was owned by Colvin, Cook & Counter, along with other investors from Kingston, Ontario. The schooner was primarily involved in commercial shipping, facilitating trade between Canadian and American ports along the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition
On November 4, 1841, the Britannia foundered off the coast of Rochester County, Lake Ontario, during a storm. Tragically, 5 to 6 crew members lost their lives in the incident. The cause of the sinking was likely due to the severe weather, which was common on the Great Lakes during the late fall. Foundering, where a ship fills with water and sinks, often occurred due to structural failure or overwhelming weather conditions.
Located By & Date
There are no modern records of the Britannia’s wreck being located or recovered. The remains of the vessel likely rest at the bottom of Lake Ontario off the Rochester shoreline.
Notmars & Advisories
No navigational hazards are currently linked to the wreck of the Britannia, as the site has not been precisely located. The waters off Rochester are known for their shipwrecks due to frequent storms during the 19th century.
Resources & Links
For additional research and historical context, consider these sources:
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
The wreck of the Britannia is one of many lost to the unpredictable and often harsh weather on Lake Ontario, where storms could quickly turn routine voyages into tragedies.
