Centurion (1863)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Centurion
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1863
• Builder: L. Stevens
• Dimensions: Length: 79 ft (24 m); Beam: 19 ft (5.8 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 105 tons (after 1871 remeasurement)
• Location: Off False Duck Islands, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Exact coordinates not specified
• Original Owners: E. George of Presque Isle
• Number of Masts: Two-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Centurion was a wooden schooner built in 1863 by L. Stevens in Presque Isle, Ontario. As a two-masted, sail-powered vessel with a single deck, it was typical of schooners operating during the 19th century, designed to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. Its compact size and versatile design made it integral to regional trade and commerce.

Description

The Centurion was a wooden schooner built in 1863 by L. Stevens in Presque Isle, Ontario. As a two-masted, sail-powered vessel with a single deck, it was typical of schooners operating during the 19th century, designed to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. Its compact size and versatile design made it integral to regional trade and commerce.

History

• Construction: Built in 1863 and registered in Brighton, Ontario.
• Ownership: Initially owned by E. George of Presque Isle, the Centurion served in the transportation of goods across Lake Ontario.
• 1871: Remeasured to a gross tonnage of 105 tons.

Significant Incidents

September 1874 Incident:

• The schooner suffered damage near Amherst Island, resulting in the loss of 20,000 feet of lumber.
• Financial losses were significant: $1,600 for the hull and $3,000 for the cargo.
• Details of the incident remain sparse, but it highlights the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The Centurion was declared a total loss after its sinking on December 25, 1874. Its remains are believed to lie submerged near the False Duck Islands, a treacherous area for ships during the 19th century. The exact location of the wreck is undetermined, and no modern searches have confirmed its precise resting place.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Centurion wreck site. However, mariners navigating near the False Duck Islands should exercise caution due to the historical presence of shipwrecks and underwater hazards in the area.

Resources & Links

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The Centurion has not been precisely located, and its exact resting place remains undocumented. Historical accounts provide general details about its loss near the False Duck Islands.