FLEUR De MARIE C77585

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Identification & Site Information #

Vessel Name: Fleur de Marie
Year Built: 1853
Type of Wreck: Clipper-Bowed Schooner
Final Location: St. Lawrence River
Depth: 52 feet (17 meters)
Length: 92 feet (28 meters)
GPS Coordinates: N 44 43’00.2″ W 75 28′ 35.9″

Vessel Type Description #

The Fleur de Marie was a clipper-bowed schooner, constructed in 1853 at Lanoraie, a shipbuilding site along the St. Lawrence River. The schooner was purpose-built to meet the demands of the growing grain and lumber trade on Lake Ontario. Its unique design featured a square rig on the foremast and a distinct black upper section contrasted by a red lower section. These colors were commonly used in the era’s maritime practices, helping ships stand out visually on the water.

The schooner was capable of carrying approximately 300 to 350 tons of coal, an essential resource in 19th-century shipping. The vessel also utilized chains to secure its cargo—an old maritime technique used to reinforce its aging structure and prevent the ship from collapsing under the strain of its heavy loads.

Dimensions and Tonnage #

Length: 92 feet (28 meters)
Depth: 52 feet (17 meters)
Tonnage: Information not available

History #

The Fleur de Marie had a long and storied career, surviving many years of service on the Great Lakes before meeting its untimely end. By the later years of its service, the schooner had begun to show its age, and sailors were well aware of the risks associated with sailing on it. Despite its age, the vessel continued to operate, primarily transporting grain and lumber between ports.

One particularly notable voyage occurred on Christmas Day, when the ship departed from Toronto, laden with a massive cargo of lumber. The load was stacked high above the ship’s rail and secured by chains, a practice dating back to ancient maritime techniques. These chains were looped over the deck and passed underneath the vessel’s keel to reinforce the structure and prevent the ship from breaking apart under the weight of its cargo.

Despite the vessel’s deteriorating condition, it remained in service for some time. The sailors, however, were aware of the risks, and many demanded higher wages to sail on the Fleur de Marie, acknowledging the dangers of crewing such an old and fragile ship.

Final Disposition #

The Fleur de Marie eventually met its end in the St. Lawrence River. Though the specific circumstances surrounding its wreck remain unclear, it is presumed that the schooner succumbed to the natural elements that it had long defied. The vessel now rests at a depth of 52 feet (17 meters), preserved underwater as a relic of 19th-century maritime history.

The wreck of the Fleur de Marie is a popular site for divers, who are drawn to explore the remains of this once-proud schooner, now lying in silent repose on the riverbed.

Notmars & Advisories #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Fleur de Marie wreck site.

Located By & Date #

The Fleur de Marie wreck site has been documented, with coordinates provided for divers and researchers interested in exploring the remains.

Current Condition & Accessibility #

The wreck of the Fleur de Marie lies at a depth of 52 feet (17 meters) in the St. Lawrence River. The site is accessible to divers, with visibility ranging from 10 to 15 feet. The vessel sits on a firm clay/silt bottom, with some decking remaining. However, the rudder and “bow spirit” are no longer present.

Resources & Links #

Schooner, Fleur de Marie, St. Lawrence River, Clipper-Bowed, Lake Ontario, Grain Trade, Lumber Trade, Maritime History, Shipwreck

Conclusion #

The Fleur de Marie exemplifies the challenges faced by aging vessels in the mid-19th century, particularly those operating on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The schooner’s use of chains to secure its cargo and reinforce its structure highlights the innovative, albeit desperate, measures taken to extend the operational life of such vessels. The story of the Fleur de Marie also reflects the economic pressures of the time, where even risky voyages were undertaken to meet the demands of trade, often at the expense of safety. The wreck of the Fleur de Marie serves as a historical marker, providing insights into the maritime practices of the era and the perils faced by those who sailed on these waters.