Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Almira
- Type: Wooden Barge
- Year Built: 1849
- Builder: Initially recorded as built in Kingston, Ontario; some records suggest L. Shickluna, St. Catharines, in 1847
- Dimensions: 85 ft (26 m); Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 106 tonnage (Old Style)
- Location: East Pier, Rochester Harbor, Lake Ontario, USA
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: William Gorrie (Toronto, Ontario); William Pigeon (Toronto, Ontario)
- Number of Masts: Two masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Almira was a wooden barge designed for transporting bulk goods such as stave bolts across the Great Lakes. Measuring 85 feet in length with a beam of 20 feet and a depth of 6 feet, the vessel was practical and robust for mid-19th-century maritime trade. Built with two masts, the Almira was an example of the durable, utilitarian design of its time, catering to the growing economic demands of Great Lakes commerce.
Description
The Almira had a storied career, with ownership changes reflecting its integral role in trade. Initially launched in Kingston, Ontario, in 1849 (or 1847, per some records), it was rebuilt in 1851 on Amherst Island by William Gorrie of Toronto. By 1857, William Pigeon of Toronto had taken ownership. The barge served the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes, moving goods between Canadian and American ports, including Toronto, Amherst Island, and Milford.
History
On August 8, 1866, a fierce northeast storm swept over Lake Ontario as the Almira carried stave bolts bound for Milford, Canada West. Battling the severe weather, the vessel struck the submerged East Pier at the mouth of Rochester Harbor. The collision breached the hull, flooding the barge rapidly.
As the Almira sank, the crew climbed into the rigging, desperately clinging to life in the storm’s chaos. Their plight caught the attention of Captain J.H. Ledyard of the steamer Flour City. Displaying remarkable courage, Captain Ledyard organized a rescue mission, deploying a Government lifeboat into the tumultuous waters.
With a team of volunteers, the rescue party reached the wreck and successfully saved the stranded crew members from the rigging. This daring operation ensured the survival of all aboard the Almira, marking a heroic moment in Great Lakes maritime history.
Significant Incidents
- The Almira was declared a total loss following the collision. Laden with stave bolts, the barge sank in Rochester Harbor and was considered beyond salvage. The incident underscores the dangers of submerged structures, stormy conditions, and the challenges of navigating busy harbor approaches.
Final Disposition
The condition of the Almira is unknown. If remnants exist, they are likely in an advanced state of deterioration due to the harbor environment and over 150 years of exposure.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact location of the Almira‘s wreck has not been formally documented or identified through modern underwater surveys. The site remains undetermined.
Resources & Links
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The Almira‘s tragic loss near Rochester Harbor in 1866 highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the mid-19th century. Despite its destruction, the heroic rescue led by Captain J.H. Ledyard remains a defining moment, showcasing the bravery and solidarity of those who sailed these waters. The vessel’s story is a testament to the resilience of the maritime community and its role in shaping the history of commerce on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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