Augustus – Lake Ontario Schooner Shipwreck (1937)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: AUGUSTUS
• Type: Schooner Barge
• Year Built: 1893
• Builder: Thomas O’Brien
• Dimensions: 177.5 ft (54.1 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 802.32 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 18.3 m / 60 ft
• Location: Snake Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 44° 11.771′ W 76° 33.517′
• Official Number: C96919
• Original Owners: Calvin Co., Montreal Transportation Co., A.A. Larocque, Atlas Transportation Co., Sincennes-McNaughton, Sin-Mac
• Number of Masts: Originally two masts, later reduced to one

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The AUGUSTUS was a wooden schooner barge initially constructed with two masts, later reduced to a single mast. Built in 1893 by Thomas O’Brien at Garden Island, Ontario, the vessel was a workhorse of the timber trade, capable of transporting 900,000 board feet of lumber. With a rounded stern and ample cargo capacity, the AUGUSTUS was an important asset for shipping timber across Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description

The AUGUSTUS was launched in 1893 for the Calvin Co., valued at $24,000 at the time. Its gross tonnage was 830.62 tons, with a registered tonnage of 802.32 tons. Initially rated A2, the vessel served extensively in the timber trade, playing a vital role in transporting forest products that fueled regional economic growth.

History

The AUGUSTUS had a significant operational history with several key events:

• 1902: Purchased by the Montreal Transportation Co., the AUGUSTUS underwent docking, caulking, and a rebuild in 1906.
• 1909: Struck a rock near Prescott, Ontario, requiring extensive repairs.
• 1912: Ran aground at Salmon Point, Prince Edward County, incurring further damage.
• 1919–1920: Changed ownership multiple times, including sales to A.A. Larocque and the Atlas Transportation Co.
• 1921–1934: Owned by Sincennes-McNaughton, later Sin-Mac, continuing to serve the timber trade.

Significant Incidents

The AUGUSTUS faced several significant incidents during its service:

• 1909: Struck a rock near Prescott, Ontario.
• 1912: Ran aground at Salmon Point, Prince Edward County.

Final Disposition

By the late 1930s, the AUGUSTUS was retired and abandoned at Portsmouth, Ontario. On November 15, 1937, during a harbor cleanup operation, the vessel was being towed for scuttling off Snake Island, but it sank prematurely before reaching its intended location. Today, the wreck lies at a depth of 60 feet near Snake Island in Lake Ontario.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the AUGUSTUS lies at a depth of 60 feet, making it accessible to intermediate and advanced divers. The wooden hull has largely flattened over time, with significant degradation caused by environmental factors. Despite its condition, the site provides an engaging dive for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history and the timber trade.

Resources & Links

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Exploring the wreck of the AUGUSTUS offers divers a unique opportunity to connect with the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Remember to practice ethical diving by leaving only bubbles and taking only memories, while also considering removing any garbage to leave the site better than you found it.