Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: France
- Type: Three-masted wooden vessel (bark or large schooner)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Goderich, Ontario
- Official Number: No official number known
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Three-masted wooden vessel, likely classified as a bark or large schooner.
Description
The France was a three-masted wooden vessel that met its fate in December 1854. It is noted for its tragic loss of life, with all but one crew member perishing during its final voyage.
History
Limited details exist regarding the France‘s construction and ownership. It is believed to have been engaged in the grain or lumber trade typical of mid-19th-century Ontario.
Significant Incidents
- Reportedly lost in December 1854, with archival shipping files listing it as ‘lost’.
- Possibly foundered or stranded, with only one survivor from the crew.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the France remains unlocated, presumed to be nearshore off Goderich, Ontario. The conditions of its loss suggest that the wreckage may be scattered along the shoreline.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As a wooden vessel lost in late-1854 winter conditions, the wreckage of the France would likely be battered and scattered over time. The only survivor’s testimony may have provided coordinates or grounding details, though these records are not preserved.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”france-1854″ title=”References & Links”]
The France represents a significant maritime disaster in the Great Lakes region, highlighting the dangers faced by wooden sailing ships during winter storms. Its near-total loss of life underscores the need for further research and potential archaeological inquiry.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Three-Masted Wood France – “Lost,” December 1854 near Goderich, Ontario
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: France (no official number known)
- Rig: Three-masted wooden vessel (likely a bark or large schooner)
- Date of Loss: December 1854
- Location: Near Goderich, Ontario—reported by a captain hailing from Kettle Point, Ontario
- Loss Circumstances: Listed as “lost” in archival shipping files, possibly foundered or stranded, with all but one of her crew perishing (goderich.ca)
Final Voyage & Crew
- Limited details exist; however, according to Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, she was either foundered or stranded, with only one survivor reported.
- The primary account refers to a vessel of this description matching the France.
Possible Wreck Condition & Site
- As a wood-hulled vessel lost in late-1854 winter conditions, her wreckage would likely be scattered on or just off the shore, battered over time.
- The only survivor’s testimony may have supplied coordinates or grounding details—though none are preserved in summarized records.
Research Gaps & Actionable Steps
| Area of Investigation | Proposed Action |
|---|---|
| Archival Vessel Logbooks | Search Canadian and U.S. port records for a vessel named France circa 1854. |
| Kettle Point Captains’ Reports | Review ship captain submission logs at Kettle Point from late 1854 for mention of the grounding or survivor. |
| Newspaper Accounts | Examine Goderich Signal-Star, Detroit Free Press, and London Free Press (Dec 1854–Jan 1855) for wreck reports or survivor interviews. |
| Lifeboat Service Records | Bring forward records from U.S. or Canadian lifesaving stations that may have performed crew rescues near Goderich. |
| Shoreline & Remote Survey | If loss locale can be narrowed via newspaper or survivor testimony, consider side-scan sonar and magnetometer surveys of nearshore bottom. |
Historical Significance
- The France is a rare wreck of a large 3-masted vessel in mid-19th-century Ontario — likely engaged in grain or lumber trade.
- The near-total loss of life (all but one) underscores the severity of winter storms and the vulnerability of wooden sailing ships on Lake Huron.
- The mystery surrounding the wreck presents a strong case for combined archival and archaeological inquiry, potentially illuminating a little-known maritime disaster.
Summary Profile
- Vessel Name: France (3-masted wooden bark/schooner)
- Built: Unknown; likely mid-19th-century
- Lost: Dec 1854 – “lost,” meaning foundered or stranded near Goderich, ON
- Crew: All but one perished
- Wreck Site: Unlocated; presumed nearshore off Goderich
- Current Status: Poorly documented—prudent candidate for targeted historical archaeology