Identification & Site Information

• Type of Wreck: Wooden Schooner

• Name: Belle

• Location of Wreck: Believed to be Belleville, Ontario, Lake Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 61 feet (18.6 metres)

• Beam: 15 feet (4.6 metres)

• Depth: 6 feet (1.8 metres)

• Gross Tonnage: 40 tons

• Site Status: Destroyed by fire on December 8, 1886

Vessel Type Description

The Belle was a wooden, two-masted Schooner, constructed in 1866 by A. Shaw in Port Dover, Ontario. Schooners of this type were integral to the maritime economy of the Great Lakes during the 19th century, valued for their adaptability and efficiency in transporting a wide variety of cargo. With its modest size and robust design, the Belle was particularly suited for the often challenging conditions of Great Lakes navigation.

History

Built during the peak of Schooner prominence, the Belle saw diverse service over its 20-year career. Initially owned by George Bell of Port Dover, the Schooner changed hands several times, including ownership under A. Lee, William Golding of Toronto, and its original builder, A. Shaw. These transitions reflect the vessel’s versatility and importance within the regional shipping industry.

In 1885, the Belle underwent a significant Rebuild in Belleville, Ontario, emphasizing its continued value and the owners’ investment in its operational longevity. By 1886, the vessel was under the ownership of Joseph H. Smith, based in Belleville.

On December 8, 1886, while frozen in at anchor, the Belle caught fire and was completely destroyed. The cause of the fire, the number of casualties (if any), and the specific circumstances remain unknown. The incident likely occurred in Belleville, where the vessel had been stationed following its Rebuild.

Final Disposition

The Belle was entirely destroyed by fire on December 8, 1886. It was not recovered or Rebuilt after this tragic event, marking the end of its maritime career.

Notices & Advisories

• NOTMARs: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck site of the Belle. However, caution is always advised in historical shipwreck areas like Belleville, Ontario, due to the potential for submerged hazards or debris.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Belle was documented following its destruction by fire in 1886, but its precise coordinates remain unclear due to the nature of the incident.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database

Keywords

• Belle

• Wooden Schooner

• Lake Ontario Shipwreck

• Belleville, Ontario

• 1886 Fire

• Canadian Maritime History

Analysis

The loss of the Belle highlights the inherent risks and harsh conditions faced by schooners operating on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Its destruction by fire while frozen in at anchor illustrates the ever-present dangers for vessels, even when not actively at sea. The Belle’sRebuild in 1885 underscores its utility and the economic importance of schooners in regional trade. Despite its ultimate demise, the Bellecontributes to the rich narrative of Great Lakes maritime history, reflecting the resilience and challenges of the shipping industry during this era.