SITE DESCRIPTION
The wreck of the steamship Comet, commonly referred to as MAYFLOWER in some records, lies near Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island, in Lake Ontario. The wreck sits at a depth of 70 feet and stretches 174 feet along the lakebed. The Comet was a sidewheeler steamship, a popular design for vessels operating on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. The wreck site offers a fascinating dive for those interested in historical shipwrecks and the maritime history of the region.
HISTORY
The Comet was constructed in 1848 by G. N. Ault at Fisher’s yard in Portsmouth, Ontario. The ship was initially launched on June 14, 1848, and had its trial trip in Hay Bay later that year. However, its early years were marked by several misfortunes, including running aground at Galops Rapids and Highland Creek. The vessel changed ownership multiple times, starting with J. & L. Platt of Adolphustown, Ontario, before being acquired by Macpherson & Crane.
Tragedy struck the Comet on multiple occasions, most notably with two devastating boiler explosions. The first occurred on March 11, 1849, in Toronto, resulting in two fatalities. The second, more catastrophic explosion took place on April 20, 1851, in Oswego, claiming the lives of eight individuals. Despite these tragedies, the Comet continued to operate, undergoing significant rebuilding in 1861, which expanded the vessel to new dimensions and added additional cabins and a promenade deck.
On May 14, 1861, the Comet met its final fate when it collided with the schooner Exchange near Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island. The collision resulted in the sinking of the Comet, marking the end of its troubled history on Lake Ontario.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The Comet now rests at the bottom of Lake Ontario near Nine Mile Point, where it has become a significant site for underwater exploration. The wreck is moored, making it accessible for divers, particularly those with an interest in historical shipwrecks and sidewheelers.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the Comet’s wreck, but divers should be cautious when exploring wrecks of this age, as structural integrity can be compromised, and sharp objects or entanglement hazards may be present.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck has been known and documented by various explorers over the years, with notable documentation and site mapping done by Tom Rutledge in the form of a draft site map. The wreck has also been captured in 3D by the 3DShipwrecks team on Sketchfab.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck is largely intact, considering its age, and lies at a depth of 70 feet, making it accessible to intermediate and advanced divers. The presence of a mooring line enhances accessibility, allowing divers to explore the site safely. The sidewheel structure and other key features of the Comet remain visible, offering a rich diving experience.
Photo Albums over Time
[gmedia id=99]
RESOURCES & LINKS
- David Swayze’s Great Lakes Shipwreck File – C: Great Lakes Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- 3D Shipwrecks on Sketchfab – Comet: 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
- Warren Lo Photography: Warren Lo Photography
- Kingston Whig Standard Archives: Kingston Whig Standard
- New York Times Archive – May 1851: NY Times May 1851
KEYWORDS
- Comet, MAYFLOWER, Steamship, Sidewheeler, Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island, Lake Ontario, Boiler Explosion, Maritime History, Shipwreck.
ANALYSIS The Comet (MAYFLOWER) represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, particularly as an example of the dangers faced by steam-powered vessels during the 19th century. The ship’s repeated accidents, including two deadly boiler explosions, highlight the perils of early steam navigation. The wreck’s final resting place near Nine Mile Point, after a collision with the schooner Exchange, offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of maritime history. The site’s accessibility and mooring make it an attractive destination for those seeking to connect with the past through underwater exploration.
SITE DESCRIPTION
The wreck of the steamship Comet, commonly referred to as MAYFLOWER in some records, lies near Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island, in Lake Ontario. The wreck sits at a depth of 70 feet and stretches 174 feet along the lakebed. The Comet was a sidewheeler steamship, a popular design for vessels operating on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. The wreck site offers a fascinating dive for those interested in historical shipwrecks and the maritime history of the region.
HISTORY
The Comet was constructed in 1848 by G. N. Ault at Fisher’s yard in Portsmouth, Ontario. The ship was initially launched on June 14, 1848, and had its trial trip in Hay Bay later that year. However, its early years were marked by several misfortunes, including running aground at Galops Rapids and Highland Creek. The vessel changed ownership multiple times, starting with J. & L. Platt of Adolphustown, Ontario, before being acquired by Macpherson & Crane.
Tragedy struck the Comet on multiple occasions, most notably with two devastating boiler explosions. The first occurred on March 11, 1849, in Toronto, resulting in two fatalities. The second, more catastrophic explosion took place on April 20, 1851, in Oswego, claiming the lives of eight individuals. Despite these tragedies, the Comet continued to operate, undergoing significant rebuilding in 1861, which expanded the vessel to new dimensions and added additional cabins and a promenade deck.
On May 14, 1861, the Comet met its final fate when it collided with the schooner Exchange near Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island. The collision resulted in the sinking of the Comet, marking the end of its troubled history on Lake Ontario.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The Comet now rests at the bottom of Lake Ontario near Nine Mile Point, where it has become a significant site for underwater exploration. The wreck is moored, making it accessible for divers, particularly those with an interest in historical shipwrecks and sidewheelers.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the Comet’s wreck, but divers should be cautious when exploring wrecks of this age, as structural integrity can be compromised, and sharp objects or entanglement hazards may be present.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck has been known and documented by various explorers over the years, with notable documentation and site mapping done by Tom Rutledge in the form of a draft site map. The wreck has also been captured in 3D by the 3DShipwrecks team on Sketchfab.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck is largely intact, considering its age, and lies at a depth of 70 feet, making it accessible to intermediate and advanced divers. The presence of a mooring line enhances accessibility, allowing divers to explore the site safely. The sidewheel structure and other key features of the Comet remain visible, offering a rich diving experience.
Photo Albums over Time
[gmedia id=99]
RESOURCES & LINKS
- David Swayze’s Great Lakes Shipwreck File – C: Great Lakes Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- 3D Shipwrecks on Sketchfab – Comet: 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
- Warren Lo Photography: Warren Lo Photography
- Kingston Whig Standard Archives: Kingston Whig Standard
- New York Times Archive – May 1851: NY Times May 1851
KEYWORDS
- Comet, MAYFLOWER, Steamship, Sidewheeler, Nine Mile Point, Simcoe Island, Lake Ontario, Boiler Explosion, Maritime History, Shipwreck.
ANALYSIS The Comet (MAYFLOWER) represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, particularly as an example of the dangers faced by steam-powered vessels during the 19th century. The ship’s repeated accidents, including two deadly boiler explosions, highlight the perils of early steam navigation. The wreck’s final resting place near Nine Mile Point, after a collision with the schooner Exchange, offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of maritime history. The site’s accessibility and mooring make it an attractive destination for those seeking to connect with the past through underwater exploration.
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