IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The WATERWITCH was a 3-masted bark, a type of sailing vessel with three or more masts. The ship was constructed in 1853 in Montreal, Quebec, and was primarily used for transporting bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes and beyond. With its robust wooden construction and ample cargo capacity, the WATERWITCH was an integral part of the mid-19th century maritime commerce network.
HISTORY: #
The WATERWITCH had a rich history before its unfortunate sinking. After its construction in 1853, the vessel embarked on a significant voyage to Liverpool, England, carrying a cargo of flour. Over the years, the ship changed ownership several times:
- 1854: John Campbell of Kingston acquired the vessel.
- 1860: Walker & Barry of Kingston took ownership, with the vessel’s tonnage recorded at 430 tons.
- 1862: The ship underwent major repairs, reducing its tonnage to 365 tons.
- 1863: R.R. Perryn of Kingston became the new owner, increasing the tonnage to 392 tons.
- 1866: Ownership transferred to A. Finnimore of Kingston, maintaining the tonnage at 365 tons.
- 1869: The WATERWITCH was owned by James Swift of Kingston.
The vessel served faithfully for many years, contributing to the economic development of the Great Lakes region by transporting a variety of cargoes, including flour and iron.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
On a fateful Sunday morning in 1869, the WATERWITCH met its end while carrying a cargo of iron from Kingston to Cleveland. The bark foundered off South Bay near Timber Island in Lake Ontario. Despite the total loss of the vessel, the crew managed to escape to shore safely using a small boat. This sinking added to the numerous marine disasters that occurred on the Western Lakes during that year, as noted by Captain J.W. Hall.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the WATERWITCH wreck site. However, mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring near the wreck site at Timber Island, as submerged hazards may be present.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The exact location of the WATERWITCH wreck remains documented in historical records, but its discovery by modern divers is not widely reported. The wreck is known to be near Timber Island in Lake Ontario.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Information on 19th-century Great Lakes vessels.
- Historical Reports: Available through local maritime archives and Captain J.W. Hall’s accounts.
KEYWORDS: #
WATERWITCH, 3-Masted Bark, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Timber Island, 1869 Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Great Lakes Bark.
ANALYSIS: #
The WATERWITCH is emblematic of the robust maritime trade that characterized the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Its loss near Timber Island in 1869 underscores the ever-present dangers of lake navigation, particularly during severe weather conditions. The ship’s long service life and its role in the transport of essential goods like flour and iron highlight the critical importance of vessels like the WATERWITCH to the region’s economic growth during this period.
