IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Royal Albert was a wooden schooner, built in Oakville, Ontario, in 1858 by John Simpson. It was initially constructed as a sturdy and reliable vessel for coastal and lake navigation. The schooner had a gross tonnage of 216 tons at the time of its construction, with dimensions of 103 feet 8/12ths in length, a beam of 23 feet, and a depth of hold of 8 feet 10/12ths. The vessel was designed for cargo transport and was registered with two masts and a single deck, making it well-suited for the shipping needs of the Great Lakes region.
The Royal Albert was considered a safe and sturdy vessel, and it served various owners over its decade-long career on the Great Lakes. However, its tonnage fluctuated over the years due to modifications and repairs, with its final tonnage recorded at 159 tons.
HISTORY #
The Royal Albert had a varied history of ownership and incidents throughout its time on the Great Lakes. Initially owned by John Simpson & Company of Oakville, the vessel was well-regarded for its construction and reliability. By September 26, 1861, ownership had passed to Thomas C. Chisholm, Benjamin Hagaman, and Noah Brinhest, all from Toronto, Ontario, with the vessel recorded at a tonnage of 165 tons.
On December 4, 1861, the Royal Albert ran ashore at Long Point, Ontario, on Lake Erie, marking its first major incident. Despite this, the schooner was repaired and returned to service, and by October 1865, ownership had transferred to John Dench of Trenton, Ontario. During this period, the vessel’s gross tonnage increased to 174 tons, likely due to modifications or re-measurement.
Further ownership changes occurred, with Robert G. Post of Pickering, Ontario, becoming the owner on October 24, 1866. The vessel continued to serve on the Great Lakes, transporting various cargos. By August 7, 1868, the Royal Albertwas under the ownership of H.C. Bolland of Oswego, New York, when it met its final, tragic fate.
On that fateful day, while carrying a cargo of railroad iron, the Royal Albert foundered approximately 10 miles off Little Sodus, New York, on Lake Ontario. The vessel experienced split seams, which caused it to fill with water and sink rapidly. Fortunately, the crew managed to escape in the ship’s boats and safely reached shore. The sinking was sudden and mysterious, with speculation that the improper loading of the heavy railroad iron cargo might have contributed to the vessel’s demise.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Royal Albert was declared a total loss after it foundered in Lake Ontario on August 7, 1868. The vessel, valued at $10,000, was insured for $7,000, but the loss was still significant. The schooner’s sudden sinking remains a tragic event, with no definitive explanation for the cause, though the loading of the cargo is suspected.
Despite the loss of the vessel, all crew members survived the incident, thanks to their quick evacuation. The sinking of the Royal Albert was reported in various newspapers, emphasizing the mysterious and sudden nature of the tragedy.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Royal Albert. However, the area around Little Sodus on Lake Ontario is known for its challenging navigation conditions, particularly during storms.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Royal Albert has not been located, and it is presumed lost in the deep waters of Lake Ontario. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the Royal Albert was lost in 1868 and has never been located, the wreck is likely in a deteriorated state, if any remains exist at all. The site is not accessible to divers or researchers due to its unknown location.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
For further information on the Royal Albert, the following resources were referenced:
