ALMIRA (1849)

2 min read

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Vessel Name: Almira
Official Number: Not documented
Type: Wooden barge
Tonnage: 106 tons (old measurement system)
Length: 85 feet (26 meters)
Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
Construction: Wooden hull, two masts
Year Built: 1849
Builder: Initially recorded as built in Kingston, Ontario; some sources claim L. Shickluna, St. Catharines, in 1847
Owners: William Gorrie (Toronto, Ontario), William Pigeon (Toronto, Ontario), and others
Home Ports: Toronto, Ontario; Amherst Island, Ontario; Milford, Canada West (now Ontario)
Location of Wreck: East Pier, Rochester Harbor, Lake Ontario, USA
Date of Wreck: August 8, 1866

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Almira was a wooden barge built in 1849 in Kingston, Ontario, although some records suggest it may have been constructed in 1847 by L. Shickluna in St. Catharines. With a length of 85 feet, a beam of 20 feet, and a depth of 6 feet, the vessel was designed for transporting bulk cargo, such as stave bolts, across the Great Lakes. The Almira had two masts and was typical of the sturdy, functional design used in mid-19th-century maritime trade.

HISTORY #

The Almira experienced multiple ownership changes throughout its operational life, reflecting the fluid nature of maritime commerce during the 19th century. Initially built and operated out of Kingston, Ontario, the vessel was later rebuilt in 1851 on Amherst Island under the ownership of William Gorrie of Toronto. By 1857, it had passed into the hands of William Pigeon, also of Toronto.

The vessel was involved in the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes, moving cargo between ports in Canada and the United States. The Almira was a valuable asset for its owners, facilitating the transportation of goods across the region’s inland seas.

THE FINAL VOYAGE AND HEROIC RESCUE #

The most dramatic and tragic chapter in the Almira‘s history occurred on August 8, 1866. As Lake Ontario was lashed by a fierce northeast storm, the Almira, attempting to navigate these treacherous conditions, struck the submerged East Pier at the mouth of Rochester Harbor. The collision severely damaged the vessel’s hull, causing rapid flooding.

As the Almira took on water, the crew climbed into the rigging to avoid being swept away. Their fate seemed sealed as the storm continued to batter the sinking vessel. However, their distress was noticed, and a daring rescue was mounted.

Captain J.H. Ledyard of the small steamer Flour City quickly organized a rescue effort. With the help of volunteers, Captain Ledyard launched a Government lifeboat into the tumultuous surf. Despite the dangerous conditions, they successfully reached the Almira and rescued the stranded crew members from the rigging.

This act of bravery, led by Captain Ledyard, saved the lives of all on board the Almira. The crew’s survival was a rare bright spot in an otherwise tragic event, which saw the complete loss of the vessel and its cargo.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Almira was declared a total loss following its collision with the submerged pier. The vessel, laden with stave bolts and bound for Milford, Canada West, sank in Rochester Harbor. The wreck remained at the site, and the barge was beyond salvage.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Almira. The incident serves as a historical reminder of the dangers posed by submerged structures and severe weather conditions in busy harbor areas.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the Almira has not been specifically located or documented by modern underwater surveys, and its exact resting place remains undetermined.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

Given the lack of specific documentation regarding the wreck site, the condition of the Almira remains unknown. If any remnants exist, they would likely be in a state of significant deterioration due to the passage of time and the conditions in the harbor.