Albacore – Schooner Shipwreck (1900)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: ALBACORE
• Type: Timber schooner
• Year Built: 1872
• Builder: Muir Bros., Port Dalhousie, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 327 tons
• Location: Near Fort Bank East, Oswego, or Kingston, Ontario
• Original Owners: John Ewart and W.A. Bradshaw
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ALBACORE was a two-masted schooner designed specifically as a “timber drougher” to haul large squared timbers. With its robust construction and significant tonnage, it was well-suited for transporting bulk cargo and packages across the Great Lakes.

Description

The ALBACORE was a timber schooner that played a significant role in the transportation of timber across the Great Lakes. It was built in 1872 and was known for its reliability in hauling lumber, making it a staple in maritime commerce.

History

Early Service
Built in 1872, the ALBACORE was an integral part of timber transportation, alongside its sister ship, the ALBATROSS. Known for their reliability in hauling lumber, the vessels were staples in the Great Lakes’ maritime commerce.

• June 1874: The ALBACORE collided with the schooner BABINIAN in Kingston, incurring damages of $300.
• 1888: Ownership transferred to Captain Ewart of Colborne after the Muir Bros. sold the vessel.

Ownership and Operational Shifts
By 1900, ownership was shared by John Ewart and W.A. Bradshaw of Toronto. Captain Charles R. Redfern commanded the vessel during its final voyage, with a crew of five, including cook Mrs. Frazer.

Final Voyage and Loss
On September 12, 1900, a fierce storm swept across Lake Ontario, stranding the ALBACORE near Fort Bank East. The schooner lost its sails, leaving it at the mercy of the winds and waves. Pounded onto a gravel bottom and ultimately driven into the seawall, the vessel broke apart under the strain.

Significant Incidents

• Rescue Efforts: Captain Anderson and the Kingston Lifesaving Service successfully evacuated the crew, ensuring no lives were lost.
• Salvage Attempts: The tug J. NAVAGH attempted to salvage the schooner but was unsuccessful due to the vessel’s extensive damage.

Final Disposition

The ALBACORE was driven into a seawall during a storm and broke up on impact. The loss occurred during the same storm that damaged its sister ship, the T.R. MERRITT. Neither vessel was insured, resulting in significant financial losses.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the ALBACORE is confirmed, but specific details regarding its current condition and accessibility for divers are not documented.

Resources & Links

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The ALBACORE serves as a poignant example of the timber schooners that powered Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century. Despite its sturdy design and notable service, it succumbed to the unpredictable forces of nature. The vessel’s history remains a testament to the courage of its crew and the challenges of early maritime trade on Lake Ontario.