IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
HMS Princess Charlotte, a fifth-rate frigate built in 1814 at the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard, represents a pivotal moment in the naval history of the Great Lakes. Originally named Vittoria, the ship was renamed before her launch, reflecting her intended role as a symbol of British power during the War of 1812.
As a wooden sailing frigate, the Princess Charlotte was designed to operate in the relatively confined waters of the Great Lakes, where maneuverability and firepower were crucial. She was equipped to engage American forces in a theater of war that had seen significant naval engagements. However, her service was brief, and following the war, the need for such vessels diminished rapidly.
In 1816, the frigate was renamed HMS Burlington, a move that marked the beginning of her quiet descent into obsolescence. Placed in reserve and later deemed unnecessary, the vessel was eventually scuttled in Deadman’s Bay in the 1830s. This act was part of the Royal Navy’s standard practice of disposing of outdated ships, ensuring that resources could be redirected to maintaining a more modern and effective fleet.
Today, the remains of HMS Princess Charlotte lie in 25 feet of water in Deadman’s Bay, offering a tangible connection to the naval history of the Great Lakes. The site serves as a silent witness to the strategic importance of these waters during a time of conflict and the inevitable passage of time that rendered even the mightiest ships obsolete.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The wreck of HMS Princess Charlotte lies at the bottom of Deadman’s Bay, having been scuttled intentionally in the 1830s. The site, at a shallow depth, is accessible for exploration and holds historical significance as a relic of the War of 1812.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
Divers should check for any Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) before exploring the site. The shallow depth and historical significance make it a point of interest, but care should be taken due to possible currents and boat traffic.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
The HMS Princess Charlotte‘s story reflects the strategic naval activities during the War of 1812 and the subsequent decommissioning of vessels that once patrolled the Great Lakes.
