Shotline Diving

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Great Lakes Research Archive

Shotline Wreck Record

Gitana

Explore the tragic story of the Gitana, a steam yacht that foundered in Lake Ontario in 1895, leaving behind a legacy of loss and mystery.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Gitana
  • Type: Steam Yacht
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Lake Ontario, near Stoney Island
  • Coordinates: Exact coordinates unknown
  • Original Owners: G.B. Sloan Jr. of Oswego, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Steam Yacht

Description

The Gitana was a privately owned steam yacht operated by G.B. Sloan Jr. of Oswego, New York. On June 10, 1895, the yacht was reported missing after being sighted near Stoney Island during rough weather. The vessel appeared to be struggling in heavy waves, attempting to reach a harbor at the foot of Stoney Island.

History

According to Mr. Benoit, a local fisherman, the Gitana was seen on the morning of June 10, 1895, with waves washing over her deck. Benoit observed her in distress, heading towards the harbor, but this was the last confirmed sighting. It was presumed that the Gitana foundered shortly afterward.

The following day, Robert Sloan, son of G.B. Sloan, arrived in the harbor on another yacht and confirmed the family’s belief that the Gitana had sunk off Stoney Island.

Significant Incidents

  • Loss Confirmation: The Gitana was confirmed lost after Robert Sloan’s arrival.
  • Casualties: One confirmed death, John Sprague, a crew member, who left behind a wife and child in Oswego.
  • Notable Individuals Aboard: John Sprague, crew member and son of Delos Sprague from Henderson, New York.

Final Disposition

Date of Loss: June 10, 1895

Cause of Loss: Foundered in heavy seas

Condition: Presumed destroyed and unrecovered

Circumstances of Loss: Heavy weather played a significant role in the sinking of the Gitana, as the vessel struggled to reach safety at the foot of Stoney Island. No wreckage was reported, and the exact location of the loss remains unidentified.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Gitana is presumed lost with no recovery efforts reported. The site remains unmarked and is a point of interest for divers and historians alike.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”gitana” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

As divers explore the waters of Lake Ontario, they are reminded of the Gitana and its tragic fate. It serves as a poignant reminder to respect the underwater heritage and to leave only bubbles, taking only memories.

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.

GITANA

  • Type: Steam Yacht
  • Length: Unknown
  • Beam: Unknown
  • Depth: Unknown
  • Deaths: 1 confirmed (John Sprague)
  • Location: Lake Ontario, near Stoney Island
  • GPS: Exact coordinates unknown
  • Owned by: G.B. Sloan Jr. of Oswego, New York
  • Year Built: Unknown
  • Home Port: Oswego, New York
  • Purpose: Recreational use

HISTORY:

The GITANA was a privately owned steam yacht operated by G.B. Sloan Jr. of Oswego, New York. On June 10, 1895, the yacht was reported missing after being sighted near Stoney Island during rough weather. The vessel appeared to be struggling in heavy waves, attempting to reach a harbor at the foot of Stoney Island.

Last Sighting:

According to Mr. Benoit, a local fisherman, the GITANA was seen on the morning of June 10, 1895, with waves washing over her deck. Benoit observed her in distress, heading towards the harbor, but this was the last confirmed sighting. It was presumed that the GITANA foundered shortly afterward.

Loss Confirmation:

The following day, Robert Sloan, son of G.B. Sloan, arrived in the harbor on another yacht and confirmed the family’s belief that the GITANA had sunk off Stoney Island.

FINAL DISPOSITION:

  • Date of Loss: June 10, 1895
  • Cause of Loss: Foundered in heavy seas
  • Condition: Presumed destroyed and unrecovered
  • Casualties:
    • John Sprague (crew member): Confirmed lost, leaving behind a wife and child in Oswego.
  • Notable Individuals Aboard: John Sprague, crew member and son of Delos Sprague from Henderson, New York.

Circumstances of Loss:

Heavy weather played a significant role in the sinking of the GITANA, as the vessel struggled to reach safety at the foot of Stoney Island. No wreckage was reported, and the exact location of the loss remains unidentified.

REFERENCES & LINKS:

gitana 1895-06-10 07:53:00