Other Names #
- NEPTUNE – 1860
- BAY OF QUINTE – 1853
A Schooner’s Fate on Lake Ontario #
The Bay of Quinte, a schooner built in 1853, navigated the waters of Lake Ontario during the mid-19th century. Constructed in Bath, Ontario, the vessel had a length of 151 feet, a beam of 24 feet, and a depth of 8 feet, with a tonnage of 250 tons. Join us as we explore the history of the Bay of Quinte, its ownership changes, and the tragic events that led to its final wreck.
Originally owned by Wade & Co. of Kingston, Ontario, the Bay of Quinte sailed under that name until 1860 when it was renamed Neptune. Under the ownership of Henry Wade, the schooner made voyages between Toronto and Halifax. However, in 1863, the vessel was rebuilt in Kingston, Ontario, and once again given its original name, the Bay of Quinte. This time, it came under the ownership of Captain R. Gaskin, who was also the vessel’s master.
On November 18, 1863, tragedy struck the Bay of Quinte off Salmon Point on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The vessel, carrying a cargo of 7,500 bushels of wheat destined for Toronto, encountered a violent storm. In the midst of the tempest, the schooner ran aground and became a total wreck. Despite the severity of the storm, there were no reported casualties among the crew.
The loss of the Bay of Quinte marked the end of its career as a seafaring vessel. Efforts were made to salvage the wreck, but it was deemed beyond repair and left to succumb to the forces of nature. The exact cause of the wreck was attributed to the storm that raged on Lake Ontario during that fateful day.
The Bay of Quinte’s story serves as a reminder of the perils faced by sailors and vessels on the Great Lakes. Its final resting place off Salmon Point stands as a testament to the challenges and risks associated with maritime transport during the 19th century. The fate of the Bay of Quinte is forever intertwined with the history of Lake Ontario and the sacrifices made by those who traversed its unpredictable waters.
