IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The PERSIA was a Canadian two-masted schooner built in 1867 by A. Robertson in Hamilton, Ontario. Designed for stone hooking—a specialized practice involving the collection of stone from lakebeds—the PERSIA featured a carvel wood hull, which was typical for schooners of the era. The vessel was built robustly to handle the rigors of transporting heavy stone across the Great Lakes. Equipped with sails as its primary means of propulsion, the PERSIA was a workhorse of the lakes, vital to the stone trade that supported infrastructure development in Ontario.
HISTORY #
The PERSIA had a long and storied career, reflective of the bustling maritime activity on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Throughout its service, the vessel changed ownership several times, with prominent figures such as P. McCallum, R. & M. Baldwin, J. & R. Matthews, Henry W. Allen, Eliz. J. Peters, and William Lennen each playing a role in its operational history.
In 1888, the PERSIA underwent a significant rebuild, which updated its dimensions and likely extended its service life. This work was carried out under the ownership of David O’Hagan of Picton, Ontario, and David O. Allison of Adolphustown, Ontario. These updates were part of the continuous effort to keep the schooner competitive and seaworthy in the challenging environment of the Great Lakes.
One of the Persia‘s most memorable features was her pet raccoon, which became a familiar sight to those who saw her in port. This raccoon was often seen scrambling around the deck, chained to a light wooden pail that allowed it to roam freely but prevented it from climbing the rigging.
On September 8, 1891, the PERSIA met its end during a violent storm on Lake Ontario. The vessel, laden with building stone and bound from Kingston to Toronto, foundered approximately six miles off Point Petre Light. Despite the ferocity of the storm and the vessel’s subsequent sinking, Fortunately all crew members along with the pet raccoon, escaped in the yawl boat, —a testament to their seamanship and the vessel’s design. The loss of the PERSIA was well-documented in contemporary news reports, reflecting the significance of such maritime tragedies to the communities along the lakes.
The schooner’s registry was officially closed on September 15, 1891. However, the story of the PERSIA did not end there. In the winter of 1893-1894, efforts were made to restore the vessel, including extensive repairs. Unfortunately, during a subsequent voyage, the PERSIA began taking on water and ultimately sank off Long Point. The crew, along with their pet raccoon, managed to escape in a yawl boat, marking the final chapter in the vessel’s history.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The PERSIA was lost to a storm on September 8, 1891, approximately six miles off Point Petre in Lake Ontario. The wreck remains submerged near Point Petre and is of interest to maritime historians and divers.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the PERSIA has been identified based on historical accounts, with its final resting place documented near Point Petre. While it has not been extensively surveyed by modern divers, its coordinates are well-known within the shipwreck community.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are directly associated with the PERSIA wreck site. However, divers interested in exploring the area should consult the latest navigational advisories to ensure safe operations near Point Petre.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Stone Hooking in Ontario – Ontario Heritage Trust
- Great Lakes Vessels Online Index
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Shipwreck Stories
- Save Ontario Shipwrecks
- University of Detroit Mercy Special Collections
- Library and Archives Canada
Conclusion #
The PERSIA exemplifies the resilience and challenges of schooners engaged in the stone trade on Lake Ontario during the late 19th century. Despite multiple rebuilds and the enduring efforts of her crew, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. The wreck site near Point Petre continues to be a point of historical interest, offering insights into the maritime heritage of the region and the industries that shaped its development.
Keywords #
PERSIA, Stone Hooker, Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Point Petre, 1891 Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Stone Trade, Great Lakes Shipping.
