IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Hunter was a wooden two-masted schooner, a common type of vessel used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Schooners like the Hunter were typically utilized for transporting bulk goods such as coal, which the vessel was carrying at the time of its sinking. Built on the bottom of the previous vessel named John S. Clark, the Hunter was designed with a significant cargo capacity, reflected in its gross and net tonnage of 168.94 tons. The schooner measured 104 feet in length, making it a sizable ship for its era.
HISTORY #
The Hunter, also known as Maggie, was constructed by William Jamieson at Mill Point, Ontario, in 1876. The vessel was registered to Samuel Hunter of Toronto, Ontario, on May 12, 1876. The schooner was primarily used for transporting coal across Lake Ontario, a critical commodity during this period.
However, the Hunter’s service was short-lived. In October 1876, while on a voyage from Oswego, New York, to Toronto, Ontario, the schooner encountered a severe storm. The vessel, which was reportedly overloaded with coal, was unable to withstand the rough seas and ultimately foundered. Tragically, all hands on board were lost in the disaster, and the shipwreck washed ashore near Oswego on October 11, 1876.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Hunter foundered in Lake Ontario during a gale on October 9 or 10, 1876, resulting in the total loss of the vessel and her crew. The exact cause was likely the combination of overloading and the severe weather conditions. The wreckage of the schooner was discovered washed ashore near Oswego, New York. The ship’s documents were surrendered on January 17, 1879, marking the official end of its registration.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Hunter. However, the coordinates provided mark the approximate location where the vessel foundered, and caution is advised in this area due to potential underwater hazards.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Hunter is believed to be located near the coordinates N43° 32.772′, W76° 31.594′, off Oswego, New York. The exact discovery date of the wreck is not documented, but the wreckage washed ashore shortly after the sinking in October 1876.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1876
- Buffalo Mutual Insurance Records
- Contemporary Newspaper Reports
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- York University Digital Library: York University Digital Library
