Advance US 105051

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Advance
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1856
• Builder: Dexter, New York
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Near Nicholson Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Latitude 44.863389, Longitude -87.496944
• Official Number: 105051
• Original Owners: J.C. Riggs (original owner, Dexter, NY), Smith of Port Colborne, J.B. Devoe, J. Carr, J. Kerr
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Advance was a two-masted wooden schooner, a vessel type well-suited for the Great Lakes. Known for their fore-and-aft rigging, schooners offered speed and adaptability in coastal and open-water navigation. With its single deck and relatively small size, the Advance was versatile and primarily utilized for cargo transport, including coal, barley, and other goods critical to the 19th-century economy.

Description

The Advance was constructed in 1856 in Dexter, New York, and registered under official number 105051. Owned initially by J.C. Riggs, it served as a cargo carrier on the Great Lakes. Over its operational life, the vessel changed ownership several times, with notable names such as J. Carr and J. Kerr taking over.

History

Despite its utility, the Advance faced numerous incidents:

• September 7, 1857: Holed and sank near Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence River, while transporting coal. It was refloated and repaired.
• April 1863: Ran ashore near the Genesee River, Lake Ontario, but successfully refloated.
• October 1870: Grounded at Oswego, New York, and subsequently abandoned. The wreck was sold to local farmers for reuse.
• October 13, 1871: Aboard a cargo of barley, the Advance ran aground on Nicholson Island, Lake Ontario. Partial rebuilding occurred under J. Kerr’s ownership, prolonging its active years.

Despite surviving several mishaps, the schooner finally met its demise in 1873 when it wrecked on Lake Ontario. Historical accounts provide limited details of this final incident, leaving the exact circumstances somewhat ambiguous.

Significant Incidents

The Advance was wrecked in 1873 on Lake Ontario, near Nicholson Island. This marked the end of the schooner’s long and eventful service life. Its wreck serves as a testament to the resilience of the Great Lakes shipping industry during a time when vessels frequently contended with unpredictable weather and navigational challenges.

Final Disposition

The wreck site of the Advance is believed to be near Nicholson Island at the provided coordinates. The specific date of discovery is not documented, and it remains a site of interest for historians and underwater explorers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

While there are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly tied to the Advance, general caution is advised when navigating or diving in the vicinity of Nicholson Island. The historical significance of the site enhances its value for exploration, but divers should remain mindful of underwater hazards.

Resources & Links

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The Advance epitomizes the era of schooners on the Great Lakes, showcasing both their utility and vulnerability. Its history highlights the risks faced by mariners navigating these inland seas in the 19th century. The vessel’s long operational life, punctuated by numerous incidents and repairs, underscores the resilience and determination of its crews and owners. The Advance is remembered as a durable workhorse of the Great Lakes, whose wreck site near Nicholson Island remains a piece of maritime history.