IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Speedy was a wooden-hulled schooner originally constructed as a gunboat for the British Navy in 1798 at Cataraqui (modern-day Kingston), Ontario. As a gunboat, it was armed and designed to patrol and protect the Great Lakes during its service. It was relatively small, with a tonnage of 80 tons, suitable for its duties on inland waters. The vessel had two masts, which made it a swift and agile schooner, essential for quick maneuvers during its operations.
HISTORY: #
The Speedy was commissioned during a time of increased British military presence on the Great Lakes. Its construction at Cataraqui was part of the broader British effort to secure naval dominance in the region. Initially serving as a gunboat, the Speedy was later repurposed for various other duties, including the transport of personnel and legal figures.
On October 7, 1804, the Speedy was assigned to transport key individuals, including court officials, witnesses, and a prisoner, from York (now Toronto) to Presque Isle for a significant murder trial. This journey was part of the judicial process in Upper Canada, a testament to the importance of the vessel in regional governance and law enforcement.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
Tragically, on the night of October 8, 1804, the Speedy encountered a fierce blizzard and gale while nearing Presque Isle. The storm proved too powerful, and the schooner foundered off the coast. Despite desperate attempts by those on shore to assist, including lighting bonfires to guide the vessel, the Speedy disappeared into the stormy waters. All on board were lost, marking one of the most significant maritime tragedies in early Canadian history.
The exact circumstances of the sinking remain unclear. The ship was reported to have struck a submerged rock, but subsequent searches failed to locate either the wreck or the rock itself. The mysterious disappearance of both the vessel and the geological formation led to much speculation, but no definitive conclusions were ever reached.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
Currently, there are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Speedy wreck site, as its exact location remains undiscovered.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the Speedy has never been located. Despite several search attempts, the site remains one of Lake Ontario’s enduring mysteries.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
Due to the Speedy‘s unknown location, the wreck’s condition is also unknown. The harsh weather conditions and the fact that it has been submerged for over two centuries suggest that any remnants would be in a highly deteriorated state. The site is inaccessible to divers or researchers until it is discovered.
YouTube Video #
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Link
- Canadian Shipwrecks Database: Canadian Shipwrecks
- Historical Collections of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Ships
KEYWORDS: #
- Speedy Shipwreck
- Lake Ontario
- British Gunboat
- Schooner
- 1798 Shipwreck
- Canadian Maritime History
- Presque Isle
ANALYSIS: #
The loss of the Speedy highlights the dangers of early navigation on the Great Lakes, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. The mystery surrounding its disappearance and the inability to locate the wreck or the submerged rock has led to considerable intrigue among historians and maritime enthusiasts. The Speedy is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who sailed the inland seas of North America during the early 19th century. The incident also underscores the historical significance of Lake Ontario as a critical transportation route during a formative period in Canadian history. The continued interest in finding the Speedy reflects the broader fascination with uncovering lost pieces of the past and the stories they tell about early Canadian society and maritime activities.
