COMMODORE OWEN (1810)

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Name: Commodore Owen
Type: Schooner
Year Built: Early 19th century (Exact year unknown)
Lost: November 12, 1820, near Oak Orchard, Lake Ontario
Depth: The wreckage lay near the shore, so depth information is not applicable.
GPS Coordinates: Exact coordinates are unknown, but the wreckage occurred near Oak Orchard on the southern shore of Lake Ontario.

Vessel Type Description #

The Commodore Owen was a wooden schooner, a versatile vessel type widely employed on the Great Lakes during the early 19th century. Schooners, with their multiple masts and fore-and-aft rigging, were well-suited for the unpredictable weather and waters of the lakes. The Commodore Owen was used for both cargo transport and passenger service, reflecting the importance of maritime commerce and travel in the region at the time.

History #

The Commodore Owen, captained by Captain Sinclair, was a vessel routinely navigating the waters of Lake Ontario. It was designed for both passenger and cargo transportation, and by 1820, the ship had seen numerous voyages between key ports like Kingston and York (now Toronto).

On the night of November 12, 1820, the Commodore Owen faced disaster. Caught in a fierce blizzard while crossing Lake Ontario, the ship was subjected to gale-force winds and heavy snowfall. Such conditions often caused navigational equipment to malfunction, and it is believed that the ship’s compass was affected, leading the vessel off course.

The storm caused the schooner to take on water, putting the lives of the crew and passengers in jeopardy. Despite the dire situation, Captain Sinclair made the crucial decision to aim the ship toward Oak Orchard, on the southern shore of the lake. His intention was to run the schooner aground in a controlled manner, allowing those aboard to evacuate to safety.

Thanks to Captain Sinclair’s decisive action, all thirteen souls aboard, including passengers and crew, were able to make it to shore safely. The ship, however, was beyond saving and broke apart in the storm. The cargo, consisting of various merchandise, was mostly lost to the lake, but the successful evacuation was considered a remarkable feat given the harsh conditions.

Final Disposition #

The Commodore Owen was irreparably damaged after running aground near Oak Orchard. The relentless waves and the storm soon caused the ship to break apart. The cargo was mostly destroyed, and the remains of the vessel have likely been scattered across the lakebed over the years. No attempts were made to salvage the wreck, and today, no visible wreckage remains.

Located By & Date #

The wreckage of the Commodore Owen was observed shortly after the storm in 1820, but no formal documentation or salvage efforts were recorded. The precise location of the wreck has been lost over time, and it is believed that the remnants have been absorbed by the lake due to the passage of nearly two centuries and the environmental conditions of Lake Ontario.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Commodore Owen. The wreck no longer poses a threat to navigation, as it has disintegrated or been scattered over time and is not marked on modern marine charts.

Current Condition & Accessibility #

The wreck of the Commodore Owen has not been definitively located, and it is presumed that little, if any, of the vessel remains intact. The site, if it exists, is not accessible to divers or researchers due to the lack of precise coordinates and the likely destruction of the wreck over time.

Resources & Links #

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Provides historical records and information about Great Lakes vessels, including the Commodore Owen.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships

Offers detailed information on vessels that sailed on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

•3D Shipwrecks: 3D Shipwrecks

A resource for exploring the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes.

Conclusion #

The wreck of the Commodore Owen in 1820 is a testament to the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite the harrowing conditions, Captain Sinclair‘s quick thinking saved all aboard, though the schooner itself was lost to the storm. The incident highlights the risks associated with maritime travel at a time when shipping was the lifeblood of the region’s economy. Although no trace of the wreck remains today, the story of the Commodore Owen remains an important part of the history of Lake Ontario’s maritime past.