Lillie Parsons (1868)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: LILLIE PARSONS
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1868
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 131 ft (40 m); Beam: 26 ft; Depth of hold: 10 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 267 GT
• Depth at Wreck Site: 27.43 m / 90 ft
• Location: Brockville Narrows, St. Lawrence River
• Coordinates: N44 33.378' W75 43.151'

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Lillie Parsons was a schooner primarily used for transporting coal, lumber, and railroad iron across the Great Lakes.

Description

Launched in 1868, the Lillie Parsons was manned by a crew of six. The vessel met its end during a storm on the St. Lawrence River when a sudden squall caused the cargo to shift, leading the ship to strike a rock, take on water, and sink. Fortunately, no lives were lost during this incident.

History

The Lillie Parsons played a significant role in the maritime trade of the 19th century, primarily operating in the Great Lakes region. Its construction and service history reflect the era’s reliance on sailing vessels for transportation of goods.

Significant Incidents

• Struck a rock and sank on August 5, 1877, during a storm.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Lillie Parsons rests at a depth of 90 feet, approximately two miles from Brockville, Ontario, near Sparrow Island. It remains a popular dive site due to its location and condition, with parts of the cargo, including railroad iron, still present at the wreck site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is well-known and frequently visited by divers. While it poses no significant navigational hazard today, divers should be cautious of currents in the St. Lawrence River when approaching the site.

Resources & Links

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The Lillie Parsons offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the 19th century and remains a significant wreck in the Great Lakes region.