Allie (Rescue) C 51700

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Allie (formerly Rescue)
• Type: Schooner (later converted to Scow-Schooner)
• Year Built: 1859
• Builder: Norton & Leland, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
• Dimensions: Length: 76 ft (23.1 m); Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Originally 74 tons; other records list 120 tons
• Location: Near Belleville, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• Official Number: C51700
• Original Owners: James Shaw (original owner)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Allie, originally built as the Rescue, was a wooden schooner adapted for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Later converted into a scow-schooner, the vessel featured a flat bottom and shallow draft, allowing it to carry heavy cargo, such as timber and stone, while navigating shallow waters. The conversion reflected evolving commercial needs and adaptability in 19th-century ship design.

Description

The Allie was constructed in 1859 by Norton & Leland in Cleveland, Ohio, and was valued at $1,500 at the time of its launch. The schooner operated from Montreal, carrying bulk goods as part of the bustling Great Lakes shipping network.

History

Transition to Allie
The vessel underwent ownership and name changes over the years. By 1869, it was sold and renamed Allie. Records suggest inconsistencies in the ship’s tonnage and specifications during this period:

• The National Board of Lake Underwriters’ Lake Vessel Register (1873) lists the vessel as a 74-ton schooner built in 1863 at Black River.
• The Association of Canadian Lake Underwriters (1869) cites a 120-ton vessel built in Black River.

These discrepancies might indicate significant modifications or record-keeping errors.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage
On September 30, 1875, the Allie was wrecked near Belleville, Ontario, on Lake Ontario. Details about the incident are sparse, but the loss was significant enough to mark the end of the vessel’s service. Despite the wreck occurring in 1875, the vessel’s documents were not officially surrendered until 1882, hinting at possible delays in administrative processing or uncertainty about the vessel’s final disposition.

Final Disposition

The Allie was declared a total loss near Belleville, Ontario, after the wreck. The cause of the loss is not documented, and there are no records of salvage or recovery efforts. The site remains unmarked, and no significant exploration of the wreck has been reported.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the extended period since the wreck in 1875, any remnants of the Allie are likely in a state of significant decay. The exact location is unknown, and it has not been identified as an accessible site for diving or exploration.

Resources & Links

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The Allie (formerly Rescue) serves as an intriguing example of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping and vessel adaptation. Built in 1859 and later converted to a scow-schooner, the vessel reflects the evolving demands of regional commerce and the challenges of maintaining and operating cargo vessels in the face of financial and environmental risks. The loss of the Allie near Belleville, Ontario, highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation during this era. Despite limited details about its wreck, the ship’s story contributes to the rich maritime history of the region.