Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: ADELAIDE
• Type: Schooner
• Builder: Brockville, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Location: Grand River shoals, southeast of Gull Island, Lake Erie
• Original Owners: H. and S. Jones of Brockville

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ADELAIDE was a schooner, built at Brockville, Ontario, likely designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Notable for its early use of a centerboard, the vessel also carried square sails, which were typical of small vessels during this period but later replaced by gaff topsails.

Description

The ADELAIDE was an early example of a centerboard schooner, a type of vessel that became more common on the Great Lakes after 1850. The schooner also had square sails, which were typical of smaller vessels in the early 19th century. Centerboards allowed vessels to navigate shallower waters and provided additional stability, which was especially important for cargo transport.

History

After successfully completing a voyage to Manitoulin Island and returning with military supplies to Toronto in 1838, the ADELAIDE embarked on what would be her final voyage. She was loaded with wheat at Ryerson’s Creek and Port Dover, intended for delivery to Hamilton Merritt at St. Catharines. During this trip, the vessel encountered a severe southwest gale and snowstorm on Lake Erie.

The ADELAIDE ran aground on the Grand River shoals near Gull Island due to thick fog and poor navigation. Despite attempts to free the vessel, she ultimately filled with water and was pounded heavily by the sea. The crew abandoned ship and sought refuge on Gull Island.

Significant Incidents

• The ADELAIDE was driven by the wind and waves towards the shore near Farrier’s Point, about twelve miles above Port Colborne. The ship eventually came to rest on the beach, upright but stripped of her cargo of wheat.
• The vessel was not insured, leading to a protracted legal battle between the ship’s owners and Hamilton Merritt over the loss of the cargo. The case was eventually settled by arbitration after three years of legal proceedings.

Final Disposition

The loss of the wheat cargo aboard the ADELAIDE sparked a legal dispute that lasted for several years. Initially, the court ruled in favor of Hamilton Merritt, but the decision was appealed, and the case was eventually settled by arbitration. Alexander Muir, who was aboard the ADELAIDE during the wreck, provided testimony during the legal proceedings. Muir’s account of the legal battle serves as a cautionary tale about the uncertainties and costs associated with litigation.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The ADELAIDE wreck site is confirmed, but specific details regarding its current condition and accessibility are not documented.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The ADELAIDE serves as a historical reminder of the challenges faced by early maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, as well as the legal complexities surrounding maritime commerce in the 19th century.