Orcadian (1854)

Vessel Type Description #

The Orcadian was a two-masted wooden brig, constructed in 1854 by C. Richard in St. Ours, Quebec. As a brig, the ship was rigged with square sails and designed primarily for cargo transport across the Great Lakes and beyond. Rae & Bros. of Hamilton, Ontario, owned the vessel, which played a key role in the trade of bulk goods, such as grain, between Canada and the United States. The Orcadian was a robust and capable vessel, reflecting the typical designs of mid-19th-century Great Lakes shipping.

History #

The Orcadian was integral to the bustling grain trade on the Great Lakes. It routinely transported bulk goods, including grain, lumber, and other commodities vital to the economies of Canada and the United States. On May 8, 1858, the Orcadian embarked on what would become its final voyage. Carrying 8,200 bushels of wheat, the vessel sailed from Bayfield, Ontario, toward Oswego, New York.

As the ship approached Little Sodus, it collided with the schooner Lucy J. Latham. The impact was severe, entangling the vessels’ rigging and causing the Latham’s bowsprit to break off, while the Orcadian began taking on water rapidly. Despite the crew’s best efforts to pump out the water, the Orcadian sank quickly.

Fortunately, Captain James Corrigal and the entire crew managed to escape, with no lives lost. The sinking of the Orcadian underscores the risks that even well-built ships faced when navigating the busy and sometimes treacherous waters of the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Final Disposition #

The Orcadian sank on May 8, 1858, following a collision with the schooner Lucy J. Latham off Little Sodus in Lake Ontario. The vessel was lost, along with its valuable cargo of 8,200 bushels of wheat, but no lives were lost in the incident.

Located By & Date #

•Located by: The wreck of the Orcadian has not been definitively located.

•Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories #

There are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the Orcadian. Its location is not marked on navigational charts, and it does not pose a known hazard to current navigation.

Current Condition & Accessibility #

The wreck of the Orcadian has not been definitively found, and its condition is unknown. Since its exact location remains undocumented, the site is not accessible for divers or maritime researchers