Banshee (1861)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: BANSHEE
• Type: Sidewheeler (Propeller)
• Year Built: 1861
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length 119 ft (36.3 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 7.3 m / 24 ft
• Location: Timber Island Bar, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N43 56.29′ W76 50.43′
• Original Owners: Mr. Robe, Captain Howard

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The BANSHEE was a versatile sidewheeler propeller vessel designed primarily for freight transport between Montreal and Port Stanley. It was integral to mid-19th century Great Lakes commerce, handling bulk goods such as wheat, flour, and butter. Its dual role as a freight carrier and general trade ship made it a vital asset for its owners and the shipping lanes it served.

Description

The BANSHEE was built for durability and utility, serving critical routes between Montreal and Port Stanley. Owned by notable figures such as Mr. Robe and later Captain Howard of the steamer MAGNET, the vessel was a familiar sight on Lake Ontario.

History

On August 21, 1861, the BANSHEE was caught in a severe storm on Lake Ontario. A machinery failure rendered the vessel unmanageable, and the relentless storm caused it to break apart near Timber Island, about a mile off the Point Traverse mainland. The ship’s cargo included:

• 3,000 bushels of wheat
• 250 barrels of flour
• 300 kegs of butter

Most of the crew survived by using a small boat or clinging to floating wreckage, but one passenger, John Nagle, a printer, tragically drowned. Salvage operations during the winter of 1861-62 recovered significant portions of the cargo. Local residents salvaged additional items from the site.

Significant Incidents

The BANSHEE sank on August 21, 1861, due to a storm and machinery failure. One passenger drowned, while most of the crew survived.

Final Disposition

The BANSHEE rested in 18 feet of water after its sinking. Salvage operations targeted the cargo, leaving the hull largely abandoned. On October 15, 1967, the wreck was rediscovered by Mr. Dennis Kent and members of the Quinte Aqua Divers in 24 feet of water at Timber Island Bar. However, the wreck site was lost during the winter of 1967-68 and was successfully relocated on July 30, 1968.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The BANSHEE lies in 24 feet of water, making it an accessible dive site for recreational divers. The site offers a glimpse into the vessel’s construction and cargo operations, though time and environmental conditions have degraded much of the wreck.

Resources & Links

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The BANSHEE, a vital player in Lake Ontario’s mid-19th century trade, met its untimely end in the stormy waters near Timber Island. The rediscovery of its wreck by the Quinte Aqua Divers not only brought its story back into focus but also contributed to the broader understanding of Great Lakes shipping history. Today, the wreck serves as a testament to the resilience and peril of maritime commerce during its era.