IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
- Type: The Ocean Wave was a sidewheel paddle steamer built for transporting wood, passengers, and package freight across Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. It was a vital vessel for regional trade, reflecting the economic strategies of New England capitalists seeking to connect the Great Lakes with Boston. The sidewheel design was typical for steamers of the period, providing the vessel with the ability to navigate both lake and river routes.
HISTORY The Ocean Wave was constructed in Montreal in 1852 by the skilled shipbuilder E.D. Merritt. Initially intended for lake navigation, there were also ambitions to use the vessel for routes between Montreal and Quebec. Its British registry allowed it to operate on the St. Lawrence River, where American vessels were restricted.
In 1853, less than six months into its service, the Ocean Wave was involved in a tragic incident that would end its short career. On April 30, 1853, while navigating near Kingston, Ontario, the ship caught fire. Despite the efforts of Captain Kuyer, who was instrumental in saving lives, the fire resulted in the total loss of the vessel.
The Ocean Wave was carrying a cargo that included flour, pearl ash, seed, hams, butter, and tallow. Out of the passengers and crew aboard, 13 survived, while the number of casualties ranged from 23 to 28, depending on different reports. The incident was a significant loss not only in terms of lives but also in the economic context of the time, as the ship was part of a broader strategy to enhance trade routes between the Great Lakes and New England.
FINAL DISPOSITION The Ocean Wave was lost to a fire on April 30, 1853, near Kingston, Ontario. The wreck lies at a depth of 151 feet (50 meters) near Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The vessel’s remains, including its paddlewheels, are a testament to the dangers faced by early steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this vessel have been identified.
LOCATED BY & DATE
- Discovery: The wreck of the Ocean Wave is located near Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. The exact details of its discovery are not specified, but it remains a site of historical and archaeological interest.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
- Condition: The wreck is submerged at a depth of 151 feet (50 meters) in Lake Ontario. Due to its age and the circumstances of its loss, the vessel is likely in a deteriorated state, with some parts, such as the paddlewheels, potentially still recognizable.
- Accessibility: The site is accessible to experienced divers, given the depth and conditions, though any exploration should be conducted with respect to preservation laws and archaeological guidelines.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Additional Resources:
- References:
- Information compiled from historical records, including ship registers, contemporary newspaper reports, and maritime databases.
ANALYSIS The brief career of the Ocean Wave underscores the perils of early steam navigation on the Great Lakes. Despite its advanced design for the time, the vessel’s loss due to fire highlights the vulnerabilities of wooden steamers and the challenges faced by those who sought to push the boundaries of trade and transportation in the mid-19th century. The wreck site at Main Duck Island serves as a poignant reminder of the risks taken by early mariners and the tragedies that often accompanied their ventures.
KEYWORDS: Ocean Wave, paddlewheel steamer, Lake Ontario, Main Duck Island, 1853 fire, shipwreck, maritime history, Great Lakes, E.D. Merritt, Captain Kuyer
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