Kincardine – Lake Huron Schooner Shipwreck (1892)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Kincardine
• Type: Wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1871
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Near Kincardine, Ontario

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Kincardine was a wooden schooner, likely used for hauling lumber or bulk cargoes such as salt. Built in 1871, it served the shipping needs of the Great Lakes.

Description

The schooner Kincardine foundered near Kincardine, Ontario, around June 2, 1892, after grounding in dense fog. The vessel’s hull began to break apart in the surf, leading to its eventual loss.

History

The Kincardine was en route with salt barrels, possibly from Collingwood or Goderich toward Lake Ontario destinations. The grounding occurred in foggy conditions, which impaired navigation.

Significant Incidents

• Weather & Conditions: Encountered dense fog, which impaired navigation and contributed to grounding.
• Event: Stranded on the shoreline of Lake Huron, likely near Kincardine, Ontario; the hull began to break apart in surf.
• Cargo Salvage: Majority of the salt barrels were successfully salvaged in the days following.
• Fire: Subsequently suffered a cargo hold fire, leading to total loss of the vessel’s wooden structure.

Final Disposition

After the grounding, much of the Kincardine’s cargo was recovered, but the vessel later caught fire, leaving no significant wreck behind.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the Kincardine wreck is uncertain, as it was reported to have burned completely after the grounding, leaving little to no remains.

Resources & Links

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The Kincardine serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners in the Great Lakes, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Research opportunities remain for those interested in uncovering more about its history and the events surrounding its loss.