Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: D. Andrews (later renamed Delaware)
- Type: Schooner (later converted to Barge)
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: John Tait, South Bay, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 105 ft (32 m); Beam: 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold:
- Registered Tonnage: 176 tons
- Location: Cardinal, Ontario
- Official Number: US 83152
- Original Owners: Andrews & Downey, Downer, A. W. Hepburn
- Number of Masts: Two masts (originally)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The D. Andrews, later known as the Delaware, was originally a two-masted wooden schooner, built for carrying bulk cargo such as grain. Constructed to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes, the vessel was later converted into a barge, reflecting the evolving demands of the shipping industry. Her durable design and adaptability highlight the engineering ingenuity of 19th-century shipbuilding.
Description
The D. Andrews was launched on July 19, 1872, built by John Tait in South Bay, Ontario. Initially valued at $9,000, the vessel was classified as Class A 2, denoting superior construction. Backed by the Napanee business partners Andrews & Downey, the schooner quickly became a key player in transporting grain and other goods across the Great Lakes. With a capacity to carry 12,000 bushels of grain, it was integral to regional commerce.
History
Notable Incidents
- November 4, 1875: The vessel ran ashore at Mill Point in the Bay of Quinte. Tugboats were dispatched to recover the stranded schooner.
- April 1877: A fire incident in Napanee caused minor damage, but the ship was promptly repaired.
- 1880 Storm: The D. Andrews was wrecked near Four Mile Point east of Oswego, New York. Though the crew survived, the ship sustained major damage. It was raised and rebuilt, marking a significant turning point in its operational life.
Conversion to Barge and Renaming
In 1884, after substantial repairs, the vessel was re-rigged and converted into a barge. Renamed Delaware, she resumed service under new ownership in Oswego, New York. The vessel was classified as Class A 2½, reflecting its downgraded status post-reconstruction, and valued at $5,000. Ownership shifted several times during this period:
- 1886: Owned by Downer in Belleville, Ontario.
- 1905: Acquired by A. W. Hepburn of Picton, Ontario.
Final Years and Sinking
By 1906, after decades of service and numerous restorations, the Delaware was deemed obsolete. The vessel was purposely sunk in Lake Ontario, marking the end of her storied career. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and further exploration may be needed to document her final resting place.
Significant Incidents
Notable Incidents
- November 4, 1875: The vessel ran ashore at Mill Point in the Bay of Quinte. Tugboats were dispatched to recover the stranded schooner.
- April 1877: A fire incident in Napanee caused minor damage, but the ship was promptly repaired.
- 1880 Storm: The D. Andrews was wrecked near Four Mile Point east of Oswego, New York. Though the crew survived, the ship sustained major damage. It was raised and rebuilt, marking a significant turning point in its operational life.
Final Disposition
The deliberate scuttling of the Delaware underscores the economic realities of the time, as older wooden vessels were phased out to make way for newer, more efficient ships. Today, the D. Andrews/Delaware remains a symbol of the Great Lakes’ vibrant shipping history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and further exploration may be needed to document her final resting place.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”delaware-david-andrews-us-83152″ title=”References & Links”]
The D. Andrews/Delaware played a vital role in the economic development of the Great Lakes. Her long service and eventual demise encapsulate the challenges and evolution of shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The search for her final resting place may yet yield new insights into this remarkable vessel’s history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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