Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

J. W. Langmuir (Prince of Wales Hannah)

Explore the wreck of the J. W. Langmuir, a historic schooner resting near Galloo Island in Lake Ontario, known for its rich history and dive-friendly conditions.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: J. W. Langmuir
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1865
  • Builder: John Tate
  • Dimensions: Length 88 ft (26.82 m); Beam 21 ft; Depth of hold 8 ft 4 in
  • Registered Tonnage: 116 tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 21 m / 70 ft
  • Location: Near Galloo Island, Lake Ontario
  • Number of Masts: Two-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The J. W. Langmuir is classified as a two-masted schooner, originally built as a brig and later transformed into a fore-and-aft topsail schooner.

Description

This wooden vessel was constructed in 1865 by John Tate in Picton, Ontario. The J. W. Langmuir has a storied history, having undergone several transformations throughout its service life.

History

The vessel was initially registered as a brig in 1865, with a tonnage of 116. Over the years, it was classified as a brigantine and later as a schooner, reflecting its modifications and rebuilds. The last known classification was as the schooner J.W. Langmuir of 145 American tons.

Significant Incidents

  • On October 9, 1874, the *Buffalo Commercial Advertiser* reported that the J. W. Langmuir was ashore at Galloo Island and was presumed to be a total wreck, although the crew was reported safe.

Final Disposition

The J. W. Langmuir is confirmed to be wrecked, with no reported fatalities among the crew. Further research may uncover specific crew names and memorials.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Dive access to the wreck is by boat, with no reported shore entry. The site is located offshore near Galloo Island in Lake Ontario. Typical dive conditions include cold fresh water, potential thermoclines, and moderate visibility that varies by season. The wreck lies at approximately 70 ft (21 m) deep.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-w-langmuir-prince-of-wales-hannah” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving by adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’ Always check local regulations regarding permits and ensure that any dive activities are conducted ethically and legally.

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.

Dive Information Access: Boat (no reported shore entry) – the site is offshore near Galloo Island, Lake Ontario. Entry Point: Nearest major port is Oswego, New York. Conditions: Typical for eastern Lake Ontario – cold fresh water, potential thermocline, moderate visibility depending on season. Depth Range: Approx. ~ 70 ft (21 m) – one source lists 70′ for J.W. Langmuir. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35} Emergency Contacts: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, NY; local dive charter operators from Oswego or Henderson Harbor. Permits: As the wreck lies in New York waters, divers should check with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and any local maritime heritage regulations. Dive Support: Dive operators based at Oswego, Henderson Harbor (NY) service wrecks in the Galloo Island / eastern Lake Ontario area. Crew & Casualty Memorials No fatal casualties are recorded in the sources consulted; “crew are safe” is reported. Names of individual crew are not listed in the consulted records. Further research in crew lists, newspaper archives (e.g., *Oswego Daily Times*, *Buffalo Commercial Advertiser*) may locate specific crew names and possible memorials. Documented Statements & Extracts
“The schr. LANGMUIR, light, is ashore at Galoo Island … She is supposed to be a total wreck. The crew are safe.” – *Buffalo Commercial Advertiser* 9 Oct 1874.
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails The Picton Registry entry dated 6 July 1865 records the vessel built by John Tate, length 88 ft, beam 21 ft, depth 8 ft 4 in, tonnage 116, rigged as fore‑and‑aft topsail schooner. Underwriters’ registers (Association of Canadian Lake Underwriters) show classifications and rebuild notices: e.g., in 1869 listed as a brigantine built by Tate at Picton of “145 tons” on the bottom of schooner Hannah; in 1871 and 1873 entry as schooner J.W. Langmuir of 145 American tonnage built 1865. J.W. Langmuir, has a rich and eventful history. Originally built in 1865 as a brig in Picton, Ontario, this wooden, two-masted vessel underwent several transformations throughout her existence. She was eventually rebuilt as the schooner J.W. Langmuir. j-w-langmuir-prince-of-wales-hannah 1874-10-14 07:47:00