IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Sir Charles Metcalf was a wooden schooner launched in 1851 from the shipyard of H. Metcalf in Milford, Ontario. As a product of the early 19th century shipbuilding boom, this vessel played a vital role in the Great Lakes maritime trade, serving as a crucial link in the transportation of goods across Lake Ontario. Over its decade of service, the Sir Charles Metcalf witnessed changes in ownership, cargo, and even its structure, reflecting the evolving needs of the regional economy. However, its promising career was cut short by a tragic incident that left it resting at the bottom of Lake Ontario, near Main Duck Island.
Construction and Early Service #
Built with a wooden hull and equipped with two masts, the Sir Charles Metcalf was typical of the schooners that dominated the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were favored for their ability to navigate the often treacherous waters of the lakes while carrying substantial cargoes such as coal, lumber, and agricultural products. The Sir Charles Metcalf was no exception, initially registering a tonnage of 150 tons—a measure of the vessel’s cargo-carrying capacity.
The schooner was registered in Milford, Ontario, a small but industrious port town on the shores of Lake Ontario. The town’s shipbuilding industry was instrumental in meeting the growing demand for vessels capable of handling the increasing flow of goods between Canada and the United States. The Sir Charles Metcalf quickly became a workhorse of the lakes, known for its reliability and sturdy construction.
Ownership and Modifications #
By 1860, the Sir Charles Metcalf had come under the ownership of J. Doyle, a prominent businessman from Kingston, Ontario. Under Doyle’s ownership, the vessel’s tonnage was reduced from 150 tons to 126 tons. While the exact reasons for this reduction are not documented, it was likely due to structural modifications, possibly to improve the ship’s handling or adapt it for different types of cargo. This change reflects the common practice of modifying vessels to extend their operational life or adjust to changing economic conditions.
Final Voyage and Tragic End #
The Sir Charles Metcalf’s final voyage occurred on October 11, 1861. On this fateful day, the schooner was transporting a heavy cargo of 194 tons of coal across Lake Ontario. The details of the voyage are scarce, but it is known that the ship foundered near Main Duck Island, a remote location in the eastern part of Lake Ontario. The cause of the foundering remains a mystery—there are no surviving records to indicate whether it was due to a sudden storm, a navigational error, or a structural failure.
The loss of the Sir Charles Metcalf was a significant blow to its owners and the local maritime community. Schooners like the Sir Charles Metcalf were essential to the economy of the Great Lakes region, and each loss represented not just a financial setback but also a gap in the intricate network of trade routes that sustained the area’s growth.
Legacy and Final Disposition #
The wreck of the Sir Charles Metcalf lies somewhere near Main Duck Island, shrouded in the murky depths of Lake Ontario. Despite its historical significance, the wreck’s exact location and condition are not well-documented, leaving much about the vessel’s final moments to speculation. The Sir Charles Metcalf serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and hidden hazards claimed many ships during the 19th century.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Sir Charles Metcalf wreck site. However, as with all underwater wrecks, it is advisable to consult the latest maritime advisories if planning to explore the area.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Sir Charles Metcalf has not been extensively documented, and its discovery details are not available. It remains one of the many shipwrecks in Lake Ontario, with its history known primarily through maritime records.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Prince Edward County Maritime Archives: PEC Maritime Archives
Sir Charles Metcalf, Schooner, Wooden Ship, Milford Ontario, Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 1861 Shipwreck, Maritime History.
Conclusion #
The Sir Charles Metcalf is a reflection of the vibrant maritime trade that characterized the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. Despite the schooner’s robust design and construction, it was not immune to the perils of lake navigation. The loss of the Sir Charles Metcalf adds to the historical narrative of the challenges faced by ships and their crews during a time when the Great Lakes were a bustling corridor of commerce and transportation.
