CUBA (pre-1847)

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DENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


C	Vessel Name: Cuba (name inferred from available reports) Official Number: Not documented Type: Wooden schooner Tonnage: Not documented Length: Not documented Beam: Not documented Depth: Not documented Construction: Wooden hull, typical of schooners used on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century Owner & Captain: Not documented Location of Wreck: Lake Ontario (specific coordinates not provided) Depth of Wreck: Not documented; the vessel sank following the collision GPS Coordinates: Approximate location based on historical records; specific coordinates are not provided Date of Wreck: May 1847

Vessel Name: Cuba (name inferred from available reports)
Official Number: Not documented
Type: Wooden schooner
Tonnage: Not documented
Length: Not documented
Beam: Not documented
Depth: Not documented
Construction: Wooden hull, typical of schooners used on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century
Owner & Captain: Not documented
Location of Wreck: Lake Ontario (specific coordinates not provided)
Depth of Wreck: Not documented; the vessel sank following the collision
GPS Coordinates: Approximate location based on historical records; specific coordinates are not provided
Date of Wreck: May 1847

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Cuba was a wooden schooner, typical of the vessels that transported bulk goods across the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Although specific details about its size, tonnage, and construction are not documented, the schooner was known to have been loaded with wheat at the time of its collision with the propeller Genesee Chief.

HISTORY #

In May 1847, the schooner Cuba was involved in a tragic collision with the propeller Genesee Chief on Lake Ontario. The Cuba was carrying a full load of wheat when the collision occurred, resulting in the vessel quickly sinking to the bottom of the lake. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, but the schooner and its valuable cargo were entirely lost.

The collision caused significant financial losses, with the cargo of wheat valued at $5,000, and the hull of the schooner estimated to have a value of $4,000. Despite the loss of the vessel, the crew of the Cuba managed to survive, marking a small consolation in an otherwise devastating event.

The Genesee Chief, the propeller involved in the collision, was also affected by the incident. Upon reaching its destination, the Genesee Chief was tied up, and its owners were required to pay $16,000 in damages. This financial burden led to the vessel ceasing operations on the lower lake route. The Genesee Chief was subsequently sold to parties operating on Lake Erie, where it continued its career.

The Genesee Chief had been a profitable vessel for its owners, and despite the collision, it maintained a successful operational history on the Great Lakes. However, the incident with the Cuba marked a significant turning point in its service, ultimately leading to its sale and relocation to Lake Erie.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Cuba was lost entirely following the collision with the Genesee Chief. The schooner sank quickly after the impact, with the vessel and its cargo sinking to the bottom of Lake Ontario. The exact location of the wreck is not documented, and it remains lost to the depths of the lake.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Cuba. However, the collision serves as a historical reminder of the dangers of navigating the busy shipping lanes of Lake Ontario.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the Cuba has not been located, and its exact resting place remains unknown. The site has not been explored by modern underwater surveys, and it is presumed to be lost to time.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

Given that the Cuba sank in 1847 and has not been located or explored, the wreck is likely in a state of significant deterioration, if any remains exist at all. The site is not accessible for diving or exploration, and the wooden structure of the vessel would have likely decayed in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario.