IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
HISTORY #
On September 26, 1851, or possibly in early October 1851, the CHRISTINA encountered a severe gale while navigating Lake Ontario near Wellington. The storm was one of many that plagued vessels on the Great Lakes, where sudden and violent weather changes were a constant hazard. Unfortunately, the CHRISTINA was unable to withstand the storm, and the vessel capsized, leading to the tragic loss of all 11 people on board.
The CHRISTINA was carrying timber, a highly valuable commodity during the mid-19th century, essential for construction and industrial purposes. The estimated property loss due to the sinking was $3,000, a significant sum at the time. This incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by maritime workers and the economic impact of such disasters on the Great Lakes shipping industry.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CHRISTINA capsized and sank during the storm near Wellington, Lake Ontario. The exact location of the wreck remains undocumented, and it is uncertain if any salvage operations were attempted. The loss of the vessel and its crew is commemorated in various historical records, but the precise resting place of the CHRISTINA remains a mystery, lying somewhere beneath the waters of Lake Ontario.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the CHRISTINA has not been definitively located. Historical records document the loss, but the exact site has not been identified or confirmed through underwater exploration.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the CHRISTINA, as the exact location is unknown. Mariners should always exercise caution when navigating the waters near Wellington, Lake Ontario, due to the general presence of submerged hazards in the area.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides historical records and context for vessels like the CHRISTINA that operated on the Great Lakes.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains archival information on shipwrecks, including the CHRISTINA.
- 3D Shipwrecks: Offers visual documentation and resources for exploring shipwrecks in the Great Lakes region.
- Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Focuses on the preservation of underwater cultural heritage, including wrecks like the CHRISTINA.
- Library and Archives Canada: A valuable resource for historical documents and records related to Canadian maritime history.
- Buffalo Daily Courier Archives: Historical newspaper that reported on the loss of the CHRISTINA in its summary of maritime casualties for 1851.
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the schooner CHRISTINA near Wellington, Lake Ontario, in 1851 was a tragic event that claimed 11 lives and resulted in significant financial loss. This incident is well-documented in historical records, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes in the 19th century. The CHRISTINA’s story contributes to the broader narrative of maritime history in the region, reflecting both the economic importance of Great Lakes shipping and the ever-present risks it entailed.
KEYWORDS #
christina schooner, lake ontario shipwreck, 1851 great lakes disaster, wellington lake ontario, timber schooner wreck, british-registered vessel, great lakes maritime history
