IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The COASTER was a wooden propeller vessel built in 1854 by A. Miller in Oswego, New York. The vessel was designed for general transportation on the Great Lakes, with a relatively modest size suitable for the busy trade routes of the mid-19th century. The COASTER played an essential role in the movement of goods across Lake Ontario during its operational life.
HISTORY: #
The COASTER had a brief but eventful history before meeting its tragic end in November 1860. Built in Oswego, New York, the vessel was part of the bustling maritime trade that characterized the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The COASTER measured 96 feet in length and had a gross tonnage of 70 tons, making it a versatile vessel for various cargoes.
In July 1859, the COASTER was involved in a collision with the schooner Coquette near Oswego, New York. The impact caused significant damage to the bow of the COASTER, leaving the vessel waterlogged. Despite this, the crew managed to reach safety, and the vessel was towed back to port for repairs. The Coquette, which was carrying lumber, also sustained minor damage in the incident but was able to continue its journey.
The COASTER’s final voyage occurred in November 1860, during a severe storm on Lake Ontario. The vessel was driven ashore near Stone Mills, close to Picton, Ontario, and was ultimately pounded to pieces by the relentless waves. The storm wreaked havoc across the lake, with several other vessels also reported to have been lost or damaged. The exact details of the loss, including the cargo on board and the number of lives lost, are not well-documented. However, it is known that the engine of the COASTER was salvaged from the wreckage.
The Buffalo Daily Republic on November 27, 1860, reported on the tragic loss of the COASTER, confirming that the vessel had run aground and was destroyed in a gale. The Oswego Commercial Times also provided coverage of the event, noting the widespread impact of the storm on vessels across Lake Ontario.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The COASTER was completely destroyed in a storm in November 1860, near Stone Mills, Ontario. The vessel was driven ashore and shattered by the force of the waves, marking the end of its service on Lake Ontario. The engine was the only part of the vessel that was salvaged from the wreckage.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the COASTER wreck site. However, the general area near Stone Mills may present hazards due to submerged wreckage and should be navigated with caution.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the COASTER was driven ashore and destroyed in 1860. The exact location and condition of any remaining wreckage are not well-documented, but it is likely dispersed or buried along the shoreline near Stone Mills.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Buffalo Daily Republic, November 27, 1860: Report on the storm and the loss of the COASTER.
- Oswego Commercial Times: Coverage of maritime disasters on Lake Ontario during the same storm.
KEYWORDS: #
COASTER, Wooden Propeller Vessel, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Stone Mills, Picton Ontario, 1860 Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Great Lakes Storm.
ANALYSIS: #
The COASTER represents the numerous small but vital vessels that plied the waters of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Its tragic loss in a storm off Stone Mills is a testament to the dangers faced by maritime vessels of that era, particularly during the treacherous late autumn storms that often struck the region. The vessel’s history, though brief, provides valuable insights into the maritime activities of the period and the ever-present risks of navigating the Great Lakes.
