Carthaginian (1855)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Carthaginian
• Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1855
• Builder: A. Miller
• Dimensions: Length 139 ft (42.4 m); Beam 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold 12 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross 405 tons; Net 374 tons
• Location: Baldwin Bay, near Oswego, New York
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Original Owners: Lyons & Finney, Oswego, New York
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Carthaginian was a wooden schooner, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes for the transport of bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and other raw materials. This two-masted schooner, with a spacious cargo hold, was ideally suited for moving large volumes of goods between the Midwest and eastern cities, contributing to the economic boom of the region during the mid-19th century. Its construction in Oswego underscored the shipbuilding prowess of the area.

Description

The Carthaginian was launched in 1855 in Oswego, New York, under the ownership of Lyons & Finney. The schooner quickly became a vital asset in the shipping of wheat and other goods, navigating the busy trade routes of Lake Ontario. With its robust design, the vessel served its owners faithfully for over a decade, until its untimely demise in 1867.

History

On November 29, 1867, the Carthaginian attempted to enter Oswego harbor amidst deteriorating weather conditions. The schooner was caught in a violent storm, which ripped away its bowsprit and headgear, leaving the vessel uncontrollable. Drifting helplessly, it ultimately ran aground on the rocks at Baldwin Bay, near Oswego. The pounding waves and fierce winds posed significant danger to the crew.

Significant Incidents

Dramatic Rescue Operation

Despite the dire circumstances, the Oswego harbormaster and local shipmasters undertook a daring rescue mission. Using a small boat, they descended from a 75-foot cliff to reach the stranded crew. The operation, marked by incredible bravery and skill, succeeded in bringing all crew members to safety, with no loss of life.

Final Disposition

The Carthaginian was left stranded on the rocky shore at Baldwin Bay, its hull battered by relentless waves. By the following morning, the schooner began to break apart, spilling its grain cargo into the water. The wreck became a spectacle for local residents, many of whom visited the site to witness the aftermath.

Although efforts were made to salvage the vessel, the damage was too severe, and the Carthaginian was abandoned, marking its end as a working vessel.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the extensive damage sustained during the storm and the passage of over 150 years, it is unlikely that significant remains of the Carthaginian still exist. The wreck site, if any portions remain, would be of interest to maritime historians and underwater archaeologists. However, the absence of precise coordinates and the impact of Lake Ontario’s harsh environment make locating the wreck a challenge.

Resources & Links

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The Carthaginian was a vital cog in the bustling trade of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Its final moments, marked by a harrowing rescue operation amid a fierce storm, reflect the bravery and resilience of those who navigated these waters. While the vessel’s story ends in tragedy, it remains a poignant reminder of the risks faced by sailors and the critical role schooners played in the economic development of the region.

The wreck of the Carthaginian is an enduring chapter in Lake Ontario’s rich maritime history, symbolizing both the triumphs and perils of life on the Great Lakes.