IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The CENTURION was a wooden schooner built in 1863 by L. Stevens in Presque Isle. The schooner was a common type of vessel during the 19th century, characterized by its two masts and sail-powered propulsion. With a single deck, the CENTURION was designed to carry cargo across the Great Lakes, a vital function in the development and trade of the region.
HISTORY: #
The CENTURION was initially registered in Brighton, Ontario, and began its service in 1863. The vessel was owned by E. George of Presque Isle, Ontario, and played a key role in transporting goods across Lake Ontario. Throughout its operational life, the CENTURION was remeasured in 1871, recording a gross tonnage of 105 tons.
In September 1874, the CENTURION encountered a casualty near Amherst Island, resulting in the loss of 20,000 feet of lumber. This incident caused significant financial losses, estimated at $1,600 for the hull and $3,000 for the cargo. The details of how this occurred are not extensively documented, but it highlights the risks faced by vessels operating in the Great Lakes.
The CENTURION’s final and most significant misfortune occurred on December 25, 1874, when it sank off False Duck Island in Lake Ontario while carrying a cargo of iron ore. The schooner was reported as a total loss, but fortunately, the crew survived the ordeal. They endured harsh conditions in an open boat for approximately six hours before being rescued and brought to Kingston.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The CENTURION wrecked on October 9, 1874, off the False Duck Islands in Lake Ontario. The vessel was carrying a cargo of iron ore when it sank. Despite the loss of the ship, the crew members survived and were safely brought to Kingston after spending several hours in an open boat. The sinking of the CENTURION marked the end of its service, with the vessel reported as a total loss.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the CENTURION wreck site. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near the False Duck Islands due to the historical presence of shipwrecks and potential underwater hazards.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The exact location of the CENTURION wreck has not been widely documented, and modern searches have not confirmed its precise resting place. The wreck likely remains submerged off the False Duck Islands, a known hazardous area for ships during the 19th century.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Donald V. Baut Detroit & St. Clair River Towing Association: Link
- Canadian Sessional Papers: Link
- C. Patrick Labadie Collection: Link
KEYWORDS: #
CENTURION, Wooden Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, False Duck Islands, 1874 Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Iron Ore Cargo.
ANALYSIS: #
The CENTURION is emblematic of the many schooners that sailed the Great Lakes during the 19th century, supporting the burgeoning trade and economic activity in the region. The vessel’s history of incidents, culminating in its final sinking off False Duck Islands, reflects the dangers faced by sailors during this era. The successful rescue of the crew stands as a testament to their resilience in the face of perilous conditions on Lake Ontario.
