IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The New Orleans was a schooner, a popular type of sailing vessel in the 19th century, particularly in North America. Schooners were primarily used for coastal trade and often carried various types of cargo, including goods, produce, and raw materials. These vessels were known for their maneuverability and speed, which made them ideal for navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes and surrounding rivers.
HISTORY: #
Details about the New Orleans before its sinking are sparse, but it was likely engaged in the transport of goods along the well-traveled routes of the St. Lawrence River. This river was a critical artery for trade in the region, linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The New Orleans met its fate in the St. Lawrence River. The exact circumstances of its sinking are not well-documented, but like many vessels of its time, it likely fell victim to the treacherous conditions that could arise suddenly on the river, such as storms, strong currents, or collisions with other vessels or submerged hazards.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the New Orleans wreck. However, given the river’s significance to navigation, it is unlikely that the wreck poses a significant hazard today.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the New Orleans has not been precisely located or extensively explored in modern times. It remains a part of the many undocumented or under-documented wrecks in the St. Lawrence River, contributing to the region’s rich maritime history.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The condition of the New Orleans wreck is unknown due to the lack of specific exploration or recovery efforts. It is likely that the remains are either scattered along the riverbed or buried under sediment, as is common with older wooden vessels in freshwater environments.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston: This museum may have additional records or information related to shipwrecks in the St. Lawrence River, including the New Orleans.
- Parks Canada Underwater Archaeology Service: This organization occasionally undertakes explorations and studies of shipwrecks in Canadian waters, which might include the St. Lawrence River.
- WreckSite (www.wrecksite.eu): An extensive online database of shipwrecks that could potentially have more information or leads on the New Orleans.
