Fabiola C 72577 (Royal Oak)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Fabiola (formerly Royal Oak)
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1852
• Builder: Oakville, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 100 ft (30.5 m); Beam: 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 147 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 55 ft
• Location: Near False Duck Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N 43° 56.62′, W 76° 47.50′
• Official Number: 72577
• Original Owners: Multiple owners including Captain Bates of Picton
• Number of Masts: Two-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Fabiola was a wooden schooner, a versatile vessel designed for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Schooners were favored for their agility and reliability in varying wind conditions. This two-masted schooner was typical of mid-19th-century cargo vessels, well-suited for navigating the vast and often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

Description

The Fabiola sank on October 21, 1900, near False Duck Island, in a storm while carrying coal. The wreck now rests at a depth of 55 feet (18 meters).

History

Early Years as Royal Oak
Built in 1852 in Oakville, Ontario, the vessel was originally named Royal Oak and registered with the official Canadian number 72577. Early mishaps included running ashore at Port Burwell, Ontario, in 1853, and sinking in Port Stanley, Ontario, in 1856.

Ownership and Rebuild
The vessel changed ownership several times:

• 1860: Burton & Rowe, Whitby, Ontario.
• 1865: William Abercrombie, Picton, Ontario.
• 1870: Felix Lennon, Picton, Ontario.
• 1876: Under owner James O’Mara of Lombardy, Ontario, the schooner underwent a significant rebuild in Portsmouth, Ontario, and was renamed Fabiola. Its tonnage increased to 175 tons, reflecting enhanced cargo capacity.
• 1886: The schooner was owned by Ostrander & Company, Picton, Ontario.

On October 21, 1900, while carrying a cargo of coal, the Fabiola foundered off False Duck Island, Lake Ontario, during a storm. The crew escaped in their yawl boat, reaching safety in McDonald’s Cove. The vessel was uninsured, resulting in a total financial loss for its owner, Captain Bates of Picton.

Significant Incidents

• 1853: Ran ashore at Port Burwell, Ontario.
• 1856: Sank in Port Stanley, Ontario.
• 1900-10-21: Foundered off False Duck Island during a storm.

Final Disposition

The Fabiola sank on October 21, 1900, near False Duck Island, in a storm while carrying coal. The wreck now rests at a depth of 55 feet (18 meters).

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Fabiola lies at 55 feet (18 meters), accessible to divers. Its condition reflects over a century of submersion, with possible structural decay. However, parts of the hull and other features may still be intact, providing insights into the vessel’s construction and historical context.

Resources & Links

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The Fabiola serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by Great Lakes sailors. Despite its long service life and multiple owners, the schooner ultimately succumbed to the challenging conditions of Lake Ontario. Its transformation from the Royal Oak to Fabiola, including its rebuild and renaming, mirrors the adaptability required to maintain viability in 19th-century maritime trade. The tragedy of its sinking highlights the perils of transporting bulk goods on aging vessels, while its accessible wreck site provides a valuable opportunity for divers and historians to connect with the region’s maritime heritage.