Identification & Site Information #
- Vessel Name: CYMRIC
- Year Built: 1857
- Built at: Oakville, Ontario
- Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
- Cargo at Time of Sinking: Wheat
- Final Location: St. Lawrence River
- Date of Sinking: October 24, 1873
- Cause of Sinking: Foundered while transporting wheat
Vessel Type Description #
The CYMRIC was a typical wooden schooner of the mid-19th century, built in 1857 to meet the growing demands of Canada’s agricultural export market. Constructed in Oakville, Ontario, it was designed to carry bulk cargoes, primarily grain like wheat, across the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Wooden schooners were the workhorses of this period, often built to relatively simple specifications that emphasized cargo capacity and durability over long voyages on the sometimes turbulent waters of the Great Lakes.
History #
The CYMRIC served for 16 years, transporting agricultural products like wheat, a key commodity in Canada’s economy at the time. It made numerous voyages through the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence River, a critical trade route connecting Canada’s heartland to international markets. On its final voyage, the CYMRIC was loaded with a full cargo of wheat, making its way along the St. Lawrence River. The ship encountered adverse conditions, either due to weather, river hazards, or potential structural failure, and foundered on October 24, 1873. The circumstances surrounding its sinking are not fully documented, but many vessels of this era faced similar challenges navigating the swift currents and unpredictable weather of the St. Lawrence. The vessel went down with its cargo of wheat, marking the end of its service in the growing agricultural trade.Final Disposition #
The CYMRIC foundered in the St. Lawrence River on October 24, 1873, with no documented recovery of its cargo or remains. No lives are reported lost in the wreck, but the ship itself was a total loss.Located By & Date #
The specific location of the CYMRIC remains unknown, and it is not marked on current nautical maps. There has been no reported discovery of the wreck.NOTMARs & Advisories #
There are no known obstructions or hazards associated with the wreck of the CYMRIC as it is not identified on modern navigational charts. Mariners are advised to be aware of the general hazards associated with navigating the St. Lawrence River, including swift currents, submerged obstacles, and weather changes.Resources & Links #
Conclusion #
The CYMRIC is a reminder of the dangers faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River during the 19th century. Although it played a role in Canada’s agricultural export trade, its wreck remains one of the many maritime tragedies of the era, with its final resting place still undiscovered.
