IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The ICEBERG was a wooden brig, constructed in 1857 at Counter’s Shipyard, also known as “Railway Shipyard,” in Hamilton, Ontario. Designed as a sturdy, two-masted vessel weighing approximately 80 tons, the ICEBERG was purpose-built for potential Arctic exploration. The vessel’s robust construction was reportedly overseen by Dr. John Rae, a notable figure in Arctic exploration. Despite its solid build and intended purpose, the ICEBERG’s life was tragically brief.
HISTORY #
The ICEBERG was launched in 1857, destined for a significant role in Arctic exploration under the guidance of Dr. John Rae. The vessel was intended to complete a season of service on the Great Lakes before being prepared for an ambitious journey to England. There, it would be outfitted for an Arctic expedition in the spring of 1858, with the goal of searching for remnants of the Franklin Arctic Expedition, a lost voyage that had captured the imagination and concern of explorers and the public alike.
In August 1857, the ICEBERG set sail from the Welland Canal, loaded with coal and bound for Kingston. However, the ship never reached its destination. It vanished under mysterious circumstances, and all hands aboard were lost. The exact date of the sinking is unknown, but it is believed to have occurred shortly after its departure on August 12th. Despite efforts to locate the vessel, it disappeared without a trace.
In September 1857, fragments of the ICEBERG’s wreckage began washing ashore, confirming the vessel’s tragic fate. The cause of the ship’s loss remains unknown, and the disappearance of the ICEBERG, coupled with its connection to Arctic exploration, adds a layer of intrigue and tragedy to its short-lived history.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The ICEBERG vanished without a trace in August 1857, somewhere between the Welland Canal and Kingston, Ontario. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and the circumstances of its sinking are still a mystery. Wreckage found washed ashore in September 1857 was the only evidence of the vessel’s demise.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The exact location of the ICEBERG remains unidentified. Wreckage was discovered washed ashore in September 1857, providing the only clue to the vessel’s tragic end.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the ICEBERG, as its wreckage has not been located. Mariners in Lake Ontario should be aware of the general risks associated with navigating near historical wreck sites.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
- Great Lakes Vessels Online Index: Link
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link
- Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Link
CONCLUSION #
The disappearance of the ICEBERG remains one of the many maritime mysteries of the Great Lakes. Its connection to Arctic exploration and the loss of all hands aboard mark it as a vessel of historical significance, despite its brief existence. The uncertainty surrounding its final moments continues to fascinate maritime historians and adds to the lore of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
KEYWORDS: #
ICEBERG, Wooden Brig, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Arctic Exploration, Dr. John Rae, Franklin Expedition, Maritime History, 1857 Shipwreck.
