Alzora (Abzora) C73916

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Alzora (also spelled Abzora)
• Type: Wooden Schooner (Scow-Schooner)
• Year Built: 1864
• Builder: W. Marlott, Kingsville, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 62 ft (18.9 m); Beam: 17 ft (5.2 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 33 tons
• Location: 1.5 miles from the lighthouse, south side of Long Point, Lake Erie
• Official Number: C73916
• Original Owners: Peter Hagbloom, Hoppograft, Haggeblom, Charles Haggeblom

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Alzora was a wooden schooner, later categorized as a scow-schooner due to its flat-bottomed design, which was typical for vessels of its type. Schooners like the Alzora were widely used on the Great Lakes for transporting bulk cargoes, including timber and agricultural goods. Its design and modest size made it ideal for navigating shallow waters and harbors.

Description

The Alzora was built in 1864 by W. Marlott in Kingsville, Ontario. Initially used for regional trade, the schooner experienced multiple incidents during its operational life, indicating the challenges of maritime travel in the Great Lakes.

History

Throughout its history, the Alzora was actively engaged in cargo transportation, making it an essential part of regional trade networks.

Significant Incidents

• 1869: The vessel went ashore near Kingsville, Ontario, and was reported as a total loss. Despite this, the Alzora was salvaged and rebuilt, resuming service on the lakes.
• 1872: Underwent significant repairs and lengthening at Pegg & Shaw’s shipyard, Kingsville, enhancing its dimensions and operational capacity.
• 1876: Owned by Peter Hagbloom of Port Dover, Ontario.
• 1879: Ownership transferred to Hoppograft of Port Dover.
• 1884: Owned by Haggeblom of Port Burwell, Ontario.
• 1886: Charles Haggeblom of Port Burwell became the owner.

Final Disposition

The Alzora was wrecked during a storm and ran aground near Long Point in 1895. It was deemed irrecoverable, and no further records of salvage or recovery efforts exist. The wreck’s location and remnants remain undocumented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Alzora has not been documented or located in modern records. The vessel likely deteriorated over time due to environmental factors, and no significant remnants are believed to remain accessible for diving or exploration.

Resources & Links

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The Alzora was a testament to the resilience of wooden schooners operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite enduring multiple rebuilds and ownership changes, the vessel met its final demise during heavy weather near Long Point in 1895. While details about the wreck remain scarce, the Alzora’s story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, reflecting both the opportunities and risks faced by those who navigated these challenging waters.