Carrier Dove (1854)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Carrier Dove
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1854
• Builder: Austin Horn
• Dimensions: Length: 88.8 ft (27.1 m); Beam: 19 ft (5.8 m); Depth of hold: 7.7 ft (2.3 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 144 (old style measurement)
• Location: Near the fort in Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Not provided
• Original Owners: Thomas Davis, Robert A. Horne, John Irwin, James Aug
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Carrier Dove was a modest-sized, two-masted wooden schooner, typical of mid-19th-century cargo vessels on the Great Lakes. Designed for transporting goods between ports, it featured a single deck and a wooden hull. These schooners were vital to trade and commerce, connecting communities and industries across the vast waterways of the region.

Description

The Carrier Dove was constructed in 1854 by Austin Horn at Wolfe Island, Ontario, and was initially owned by Thomas Davis of Wolfe Island, Quebec. The schooner’s history includes multiple ownership transfers and periods of repair, highlighting its active and valued service on the Great Lakes.

History

The Carrier Dove had a notable history with key events including:

• 1854–1859: Owned by Thomas Davis.
• 1859: Purchased by Robert A. Horne of Kingston, Ontario.
• 1861 & 1863: Underwent repairs, including significant updates in 1863, reflecting its continued use and maintenance.
• 1864: Ownership transferred to John Irwin (Wolfe Island) and James Aug (Wellington Square, Ontario).

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage: On May 10, 1867, the Carrier Dove met its end near Oswego, New York. During adverse weather or a strong current, the vessel was swept out of the river, colliding with a larger schooner. The collision caused the Carrier Dove to lose its masts and sink near the fort at Oswego, marking its tragic demise.

Final Disposition

The Carrier Dove sank on May 10, 1867, near the fort in Oswego, New York. The wreck likely lies buried under sediment and debris, with only parts of the hull or structural components remaining intact. The wooden construction has likely deteriorated significantly over time.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently related to the Carrier Dove wreck site. The wreck has not been precisely located, but its history is well-documented in local and historical records.

Resources & Links

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The Carrier Dove exemplifies the challenges of mid-19th-century navigation on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather, busy waterways, and the fragility of wooden vessels often led to shipwrecks. Its history of multiple owners and repairs illustrates the high value of schooners in supporting regional trade. The tragic circumstances of its sinking near Oswego serve as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by mariners during this era. Despite its loss, the Carrier Dove remains a notable part of Great Lakes maritime heritage, reflecting the era’s reliance on these vital cargo carriers.