Canada (1861)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Canada
• Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner (originally a barkentine)
• Year Built: 1861
• Builder: Louis Shickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 143 ft (43.6 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 399 tons
• Location: Colchester Shoal, Lake Erie
• Original Owners: S. Neelon of St. Catharines
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Canada was initially constructed as a barkentine, a vessel with three or more masts combining square rigging on the foremast and fore-and-aft rigging on the remaining masts. Later, it was converted into a schooner, a common adaptation to improve efficiency and meet changing trade demands. Its robust wooden construction, paired with its large size, made it a versatile cargo carrier capable of transporting substantial loads across the Great Lakes and beyond.

Description

The Canada was built in 1861 by the celebrated shipbuilder Louis Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario, a hub of Great Lakes shipbuilding. Initially rigged as a barkentine, the vessel was later modified into a three-masted schooner, reflecting its evolving role in cargo transportation.

History

Throughout its active years, the Canada encountered several notable incidents:

• Burning Near Quebec (1873): While carrying lumber to South America, the vessel burned near Quebec. The fire claimed one life but the ship was salvaged and repaired.
• Significant Repairs (1871 and 1874): These repairs were likely due to the heavy wear from long voyages and earlier damage.
• Final Voyage (1882): On November 11, 1882, while en route from Toledo to Quebec with a cargo of black walnut and oak lumber, the Canada ran aground on Colchester Shoal in Lake Erie during a storm. Initial damage was minor, but relentless wave action destroyed the vessel over the following days. Despite the efforts of the tug Erie Belle, the wreck was fully broken up by November 25, 1882.

Significant Incidents

• Burning Near Quebec (1873): While carrying lumber to South America, the vessel burned near Quebec. The fire claimed one life but the ship was salvaged and repaired.
• Significant Repairs (1871 and 1874): These repairs were likely due to the heavy wear from long voyages and earlier damage.
• Final Voyage (1882): On November 11, 1882, while en route from Toledo to Quebec with a cargo of black walnut and oak lumber, the Canada ran aground on Colchester Shoal in Lake Erie during a storm. Initial damage was minor, but relentless wave action destroyed the vessel over the following days. Despite the efforts of the tug Erie Belle, the wreck was fully broken up by November 25, 1882.

Final Disposition

The Canada met its end near Colchester Shoal, close to the wreck of the tug Mayflower, which had sunk the previous year. The remains of the schooner were obliterated by wave action, leaving little trace of the once-impressive vessel. The lumber cargo was also lost, but fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

The ship’s owner, S. Neelon of St. Catharines, filed a lawsuit against the Canadian Government, claiming negligence due to the non-operation of the Colchester Shoal lightship. This underscores the critical importance of navigational aids in the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Canada remains a poignant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, its wreck symbolizing both the ingenuity and the perils of sailing these vast inland seas. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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The story of the Canada encapsulates the resilience and risks of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. From its construction by a master shipbuilder to its multiple repairs and adaptations, the vessel’s history reflects the demanding nature of maritime trade. Its final loss highlights the dangers posed by storms and the critical role of navigational infrastructure in ensuring maritime safety.