Margaret Olwill (1862)

Vessel Type Description #

The Margaret Olwill was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type in the 19th century designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Margaret Olwill were highly valued for their multi-mast design, which allowed them to carry large quantities of goods like grain, lumber, and coal. Their relatively shallow draft made them suitable for navigating both open waters and harbors, but they were vulnerable to the unpredictable weather of Lake Ontario.

History #

The Margaret Olwill was launched in 1862 and served for several years on Lake Ontario’s busy shipping lanes. These shipping routes were vital for trade between Canadian and American ports, making schooners like the Margaret Olwill indispensable for transporting essential goods. In 1865, the vessel was caught in a severe storm while sailing near Amherst Island, an area notorious for dangerous conditions that have claimed many ships over the years. The storm proved too powerful, and despite any efforts the crew may have made, the schooner foundered and sank in the turbulent waters.

Final Disposition #

The Margaret Olwill sank in 1865 during a violent storm near Amherst Island, Lake Ontario. The ship went down quickly due to the severity of the storm. There are no detailed records about potential casualties, rescue efforts, or attempts to salvage the vessel following the wreck.

Located By & Date #

No definitive record indicates when the Margaret Olwill’s wreck was located. The waters around Amherst Island are well-charted, with numerous wrecks documented over time. While it is possible that divers and researchers have identified the remains of the Margaret Olwill, specific details about the discovery of the wreck remain elusive.

Notmars & Advisories #

•Obstructions: Navigators should remain cautious when sailing near Amherst Island as the wreck of the Margaret Olwill may pose hazards to vessels. Mariners should consult up-to-date navigation charts and heed maritime advisories for the Amherst Island area.

Resources & Links #

For more detailed research on the Margaret Olwill and similar shipwrecks, consider the following resources:

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Provides a searchable database of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region, including total losses and details about vessel types and circumstances.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Offers historical records, including shipwreck data and narratives related to maritime activity on the Great Lakes.
• Great Lakes Maritime Database: Contains extensive information about vessels, shipwrecks, and maritime history, with searchable records on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion #

The Margaret Olwill is one of many schooners lost to the unpredictable and often dangerous waters of Lake Ontario. Despite its relatively short service life, the vessel’s loss near Amherst Island is a testament to the risks faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. While the wreck remains undiscovered, it contributes to the rich maritime history of the region, joining countless other ships whose final resting places lie beneath the surface of the lake.