John P. Hale (1856)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: John P. Hale
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: Mid-19th century (exact year unspecified)
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Ford’s Shoals, Lake Ontario, approximately four miles from Oswego and one mile offshore
• Original Owners: S.J. Holley, Oswego, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The John P. Hale was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were characterized by their multiple masts and sails, which enabled them to carry heavy bulk cargoes, such as wheat, efficiently over long distances. The John P. Hale was robustly constructed to withstand the challenging and often volatile conditions of Lake Ontario.

Description

The John P. Hale embarked on its fateful voyage carrying a significant cargo of wheat from Chicago to Oswego. On November 1, 1856, the vessel encountered a severe snowstorm with escalating winds while nearing its destination. The schooner ran aground at Ford’s Shoals, approximately four miles from Oswego.

History

The crew sought refuge in the rigging as heavy seas prevented immediate rescue. By the following day, the schooner had sustained catastrophic damage, including a bilged hull, a hogged (bent) deck, a sprung mainmast, and missing or torn rigging and sails. Efforts to salvage the cargo were complicated by worsening conditions, but it was estimated that 5,000 to 7,000 bushels of wheat could potentially be recovered. Despite rescue efforts, including the tugboat Robert Reed, the schooner ultimately broke apart on the shoals. While some wheat was saved, an estimated 5,000 bushels were lost to the lake.

Significant Incidents

• The crew sought refuge in the rigging as heavy seas prevented immediate rescue.
• By the following day, the schooner had sustained catastrophic damage, including:
• A bilged hull
• A hogged (bent) deck
• A sprung mainmast
• Missing or torn rigging and sails
• Efforts to salvage the cargo were complicated by worsening conditions, but it was estimated that 5,000 to 7,000 bushels of wheat could potentially be recovered.

Final Disposition

The John P. Hale was declared a total loss. The wreck was valued at approximately $30,000, including the vessel, cargo, and freight, and was insured by the Buffalo Mutual Insurance Company. Over time, the wreck deteriorated, with the schooner breaking into pieces and dispersing in the lake.

Current Condition & Accessibility

While there are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically referencing the John P. Hale, Ford’s Shoals remains a challenging area for navigation due to its shallow waters and hazardous conditions. Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this region.

Resources & Links

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The wreck of the John P. Hale is a poignant reminder of the perils of 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its loss near Ford’s Shoals in Lake Ontario reflects the vulnerability of wooden schooners to severe weather conditions. While the vessel’s remains have long since deteriorated, its story continues to serve as a testament to the resilience of those who navigated these treacherous waters.