Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Alice (1859)

The schooner Alice faced multiple tragedies on Lake Ontario, highlighting the dangers of 19th-century maritime navigation.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Alice
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Not specified
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Pultneyville, Lake Ontario
  • Original Owners: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: The Alice was a schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its two or more masts and fore-and-aft rigging.

Description

Description: The Alice was involved in maritime commerce on Lake Ontario, primarily transporting goods such as staves. Its design as a schooner made it suitable for navigating the Great Lakes, although it faced significant challenges due to weather conditions.

History

History: The Alice had a troubled history marked by incidents at sea. In January 1859, it capsized during a severe squall off Long Point while carrying a cargo of staves, resulting in a total loss valued at $1,800. Fifteen years later, in September 1874, the vessel was wrecked near Pultneyville, leading to another complete loss, this time with damages estimated at $4,500.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

  • January 1859: The Alice capsized off Long Point, resulting in a total loss of the vessel and cargo.
  • September 1874: The Alice was wrecked near Pultneyville, marking the end of its service.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition: The Alice was confirmed lost in both incidents, with no recovery of the vessel or cargo reported. Its wreck near Pultneyville remains a part of the maritime history of Lake Ontario.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility: The current condition of the wreck is not specified, and accessibility for divers may vary depending on local regulations and conditions.

Resources & Links

Conclusion: The Alice serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes schooners in the 19th century. Its history illustrates the human and economic costs of maritime commerce and the importance of advancements in technology to improve safety at sea.