NAPOLEON

3 min read

Title: Tragic Loss of the Napoleon: Gale Strikes Lake Ontario Shipping

A severe gale that swept across Lake Ontario on the 21st and 22nd of last month left a trail of destruction in its wake, with several vessels falling victim to the tempestuous waters. Among the unfortunate casualties was the schooner Napoleon, a vessel laden with cargo and laden with history. In this article, we recount the events surrounding the loss of the Napoleon and the valiant efforts made by its crew to navigate through the treacherous storm.

The Napoleon, a schooner with a storied past, was owned by Thomas S. Hall & Co. of Sacket’s Harbor. This sturdy vessel was on a mission to transport large stones destined for the construction of the Oswego pier. Under the command of Captain R. Hollister, the Napoleon set sail, its decks laden with sixteen massive stones, each weighing between two to four tons. Little did they know that this journey would turn into a harrowing battle against the elements.

As the Napoleon ventured into the open waters of Lake Ontario, it soon became apparent that the weather was not in their favor. The gale, with its fierce winds and towering waves, made navigation perilous. To increase their chances of survival, Captain Hollister decided to seek shelter near the head of Stony Island. However, fate had other plans.

While the vessel was maneuvering to find safety under the leeward side of the island, disaster struck. A massive wave crashed upon the Napoleon, violently shifting the heavy deck load of stones to the leeward side. Desperate attempts were made by the crew to jettison some of the cargo into the lake, but the sheer weight of the stones and their precarious position thwarted their efforts.

Despite the crew’s valiant struggle and the Napoleon’s initial resistance, the situation deteriorated rapidly. It is believed that some of the stones shifted within the hold, further destabilizing the vessel. With a heavy heart, Captain Hollister watched as the Napoleon succumbed to the relentless fury of Lake Ontario. In a matter of moments, the schooner plunged into the unforgiving depths, disappearing beneath 30 fathoms of water.

The crew of the Napoleon faced a dire situation as their vessel vanished beneath the waves. They clung to the hope of rescue, and their prayers were answered when the steamboat Oswego, navigating the same tumultuous waters, spotted them. A boat from the Oswego was launched, and the distressed crew of the Napoleon was rescued from the perilous lake, narrowly escaping a watery grave.

The loss of the Napoleon, estimated to be worth $4,000, was a devastating blow for its owners, who had no insurance to mitigate the financial loss. The tragedy of the Napoleon’s demise was compounded by the fact that it occurred alongside other shipwrecks during the same gale. Among the casualties was the schooner Margaret of Canada, which also foundered near the Galloo Islands, resulting in the loss of three crew members.

The story of the Napoleon serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of Lake Ontario, where brave sailors and vessels often face the wrath of the elements. The courage and resilience displayed by Captain Hollister and his crew in the face of such adversity stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who navigate the Great Lakes.