IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Henri Le Blanc was a naval vessel of the pre-1764 French Navy, designed for military engagements and transportation. It was a single-deck wooden ship with three masts, allowing it to harness wind power for propulsion. These types of vessels were integral to naval operations, capable of maneuvering efficiently through the waters, particularly during wartime. The ship was likely armed, as was common for naval vessels of this period, although specific armaments are not detailed in the available records.
HISTORY: #
The Henri Le Blanc served as a significant vessel in the French Navy during the mid-18th century, a time marked by frequent conflicts in North America between European powers. Constructed before 1764, the ship was involved in naval operations on Lake Ontario, a strategic waterway during the colonial period. Its construction and deployment were part of France’s efforts to maintain control over its North American territories, particularly in the face of British expansion.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On June 17, 1764, the Henri Le Blanc met its fate during a severe storm off the shores of Wolfe Island in Lake Ontario. The ship was caught in the midst of the storm and, despite the crew’s efforts, was unable to withstand the powerful forces of nature. It eventually wrecked on a spit, adding to the list of maritime disasters in the region. The wreck of the Henri Le Blanc serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by sailors during this era, where even well-built naval vessels could quickly become casualties of the unpredictable and often treacherous weather conditions on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Henri Le Blanc wreck site have been noted.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The precise location and discovery details of the Henri Le Blanc wreck have not been documented in the available sources.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The current condition of the Henri Le Blanc wreck remains undocumented, as there are no detailed reports of its discovery or exploration. Given the historical significance and potential location, it may rest in a relatively undisturbed state, accessible only to those with specialized knowledge or equipment. Wolfe Island and the surrounding areas are known for various historical wrecks, making it a potentially interesting site for future underwater archaeological surveys.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Additional information can be explored through resources such as the Wolfe Island Historical Society and other archival materials related to the French Navy’s operations on Lake Ontario.
- Consider accessing the Library and Archives Canada for more detailed historical records on French naval activities during the mid-18th century.
- Relevant literature on naval shipwrecks in the Great Lakes can provide context and background, such as the works referenced in the file “Provincial Marine Vessels in Order”.
