IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
The Schooner Lochiel: A Vessel with a Rich History #
The Lochiel began its life not as the vessel we remember today, but under the name Three Seas. Built in 1852 by the skilled shipwright Robert Steel at Port Sarnia, Canada West, the schooner was a product of the booming shipbuilding industry that thrived along the shores of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. With a tonnage of 223 tons, the vessel was designed to carry substantial cargoes across the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Originally owned by James Coleman & Co., the Lochiel was a critical asset in the transportation of goods between key ports. Its home port was listed as Dundas, a growing community in Canada West, and the schooner played a vital role in the region’s economy. The vessel was valued at $4,000, a significant sum at the time, and was classified as Class B 1 in the Board of Lake Underwriters’ Lake Vessel Register for 1861.
Over the years, the Lochiel underwent several changes, including a renaming and repairs in 1861. Despite these efforts to maintain and modernize the schooner, it was described as being rather flat in shape, a characteristic that may have influenced its handling in rough seas.
The Fateful Voyage: A Cargo of Wheat and a Brewing Storm #
In 1861, the Lochiel embarked on what would be its final voyage. Under the command of Captain Scott, the schooner set sail from Dundas, Canada West, bound for Oswego, New York. The vessel was heavily laden with 9,000 bushels of wheat, a valuable cargo that was to be delivered across the lake.
As the Lochiel made its way across Lake Ontario, the weather began to deteriorate. The Great Lakes are notorious for their sudden and severe storms, and this day was no exception. By daybreak, a gale had descended upon the lake, whipping up fierce winds and towering waves. Despite the crew’s best efforts to navigate through the storm, the conditions proved too much for the Lochiel.
Approximately 15 miles northeast of the Genesee Light, the schooner began to founder. The combination of the heavy cargo and the violent seas overwhelmed the vessel, and it soon became clear that the Lochiel was doomed. Captain Scott and his crew, realizing the severity of their situation, prepared to abandon ship.
The Escape: Narrowly Avoiding Disaster #
As the Lochiel began to sink, Captain Scott and his crew launched the ship’s yawl boats, their only means of escape. With the storm still raging around them, the men rowed desperately towards the safety of the shore. Miraculously, despite the treacherous conditions, they managed to reach Genesee at 9 a.m. on the same morning.
The crew’s survival was a rare piece of good fortune in what was otherwise a devastating incident. However, they were unable to salvage anything from the Lochiel. The schooner, along with its valuable cargo of wheat, was lost to the depths of Lake Ontario.
News of the Sinking: A Community in Mourning #
The news of the Lochiel’s fate spread quickly, reaching the nearby city of Rochester and beyond. Reports confirmed the tragic details of the vessel’s demise. The schooner, still heavily laden with wheat, had succumbed to the harsh weather conditions and was now lying at the bottom of Lake Ontario.
The loss of the Lochiel was a significant blow to the community of Dundas and to James Coleman & Co., who owned the vessel. The schooner had been an important part of their operations, and its sinking represented not only a financial loss but also a reminder of the dangers that accompanied life on the Great Lakes.
The Legacy of the Lochiel #
The sinking of the Lochiel is more than just a tale of maritime tragedy; it is a reflection of the challenges faced by those who made their living on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The vessel’s history, from its construction in Port Sarnia to its final moments off the coast of Lake Ontario, tells a story of resilience, innovation, and the ever-present risk of disaster.
The Lochiel was one of many schooners that plied the waters of the Great Lakes, carrying the goods that fueled the growth of towns and cities across the region. Its loss serves as a reminder of the vital role these vessels played in the economic development of North America, as well as the sacrifices made by the men who sailed them.
Today, the Lochiel lies somewhere beneath the waves of Lake Ontario, a silent witness to the storm that claimed it. While the exact location of the wreck remains unknown, its story continues to resonate with those who study the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Conclusion #
The tragedy of the Lochiel is a poignant chapter in the history of Lake Ontario. It serves as a testament to the bravery of its crew, the unpredictability of the lake, and the enduring spirit of those who navigated its waters. As we remember the Lochiel and other vessels like it, we honor the legacy of the sailors who risked their lives in the pursuit of progress and prosperity.
Sources #
- Board of Lake Underwriters’ Lake Vessel Register, 1861: Documenting the details of the Lochiel’s construction, ownership, and classification.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Provides historical records and narratives related to the Lochiel and other Great Lakes vessels.
- Rochester Newspapers, October 1861: Reports on the sinking of the Lochiel and the aftermath of the incident.
- Great Lakes Ships Website: Offers comprehensive information on the vessels that operated on the Great Lakes, including the Lochiel.
