Shipwreck Report: Alma

Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: Alma
• Vessel Type: Small Schooner (Fishing Vessel)
• Home Port: Cobourg, Ontario
• Date of Incident: Reported April 9, 1857 (referenced in January 28, 1858 casualty list)
• Location: Lake Ontario, exact coordinates not documented
• Depth: Not specified
• Condition: Lost with all crew; no recovery reported

Vessel Type Description

The Alma was a small Schooner, adapted for fishing operations. Its size and rigging would have made it efficient for Lake Ontario’s coastal waters, where fishing schooners commonly engaged in hauling nets and transporting fresh catches to shore. Fishing vessels of this type often faced higher risks due to their exposure to unpredictable weather and limited structural reinforcement for open-water conditions.

History

The Alma, based in Cobourg, Ontario, was primarily used for fishing on Lake Ontario. Fishing schooners like the Alma were critical to the livelihoods of many coastal communities, supplying both local consumption and broader markets with fresh fish. Unfortunately, the vessel met its tragic end during fishing operations in 1857.

The incident was reported by the Toronto Globe on April 9, 1857, with additional documentation in the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser casualty list published on January 28, 1858. The event resulted in the loss of the vessel and its crew of nine, underscoring the perilous nature of fishing activities on the Great Lakes during this period.

Final Disposition

The Alma was lost along with its crew of nine during fishing operations on Lake Ontario. The property loss was estimated at $200—a significant amount at the time, reflecting the economic blow to the owners and the community. The circumstances of the vessel’s loss are unclear, but adverse weather, shifting lake conditions, or potential capsizing contributed to the tragedy.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Alma has not been located, and no significant remains are known to exist. Its small size and the passage of time means the vessel’s remains are scattered or buried under lake sediment. The site has not been documented as accessible for exploration or diving.

Legacy

The loss of the Alma is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by fishing vessels on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. The Schooner’s story highlights the bravery and resilience of the individuals who ventured onto the waters to provide for their families and communities. The incident also underscores the challenges of operating small vessels in a large and often unpredictable body of water like Lake Ontario.

Resources & Links

• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser: 1858 casualty list.
• Toronto Globe: April 9, 1857 report.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive resource for maritime incidents.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Alma, a small fishing Schooner from Cobourg, Ontario, exemplifies the risks and hardships of maritime life on Lake Ontario during the 19th century. Its loss, including nine lives, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the fishing industry and the individuals who braved the waters in search of sustenance and livelihood.

Keywords Alma, Cobourg, Fishing Schooner, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 19th-Century Maritime History, Great Lakes Fishing Vessels, Toronto Globe, Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, Crew Lost at Sea, Great Lakes Casualty List.