IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The HMS Radcliffe was a British naval vessel, though details about its specific class or armament are not well-documented. Given the region and typical usage, it may have been a sloop, brig, or another class of warship commonly used for patrolling, escorting, or general naval duties on the Great Lakes and surrounding waters during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
HISTORY: #
The HMS Radcliffe served in the British Royal Navy, likely playing a role in the naval operations on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, which were strategic waterways during various conflicts, including the War of 1812. Ships like the Radcliffe would have been involved in transporting troops, supplies, and engaging in skirmishes or patrols to protect British interests in North America.
The vessel eventually came to be known as the Brown Bay Vessel due to its final resting place in Brown Bay, a part of the Thousand Islands region in the St. Lawrence River. This area was crucial during the era for both military and commercial navigation.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The HMS Radcliffe met its end in the St. Lawrence River, where it became known as the Brown Bay Vessel after wrecking in Brown Bay. The exact cause of the wreck is not well-recorded, but it may have been due to a combination of navigational hazards, weather conditions, or other factors common to the region.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the HMS Radcliffe wreck. The site, being in relatively shallow water, may not pose significant navigational hazards today but could be of interest to divers and historians.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the HMS Radcliffe is identified in the shallow waters of Brown Bay. It is accessible for exploration and has been a site of interest for underwater archaeologists and historians studying naval history in the Great Lakes region.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck of the HMS Radcliffe lies in shallow water and is accessible to divers. Over time, the vessel’s structure has likely deteriorated, but it remains an important underwater site for those interested in early naval history. The wreck’s relatively shallow depth makes it an accessible dive for those with the appropriate training and permits.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Parks Canada Underwater Archaeology Service: This service may have conducted or documented research on the HMS Radcliffe given its significance and location within Canadian waters.
- Great Lakes Maritime Museum: A resource for further historical context and details about shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
- WreckSite (www.wrecksite.eu): An online database that might have additional details or historical context for the HMS Radcliffe.
PHOTOS: #
Given the vessel’s age and the era in which it sank, there are no known photographs of the HMS Radcliffe. However, there may be underwater images or sketches made by divers and archaeologists who have explored the site in Brown Bay.
