Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lisgar
- Type: Schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: Abbey & Son, Port Robinson, Ontario
- Dimensions: 139 ft (42.4 m) length × 26 ft (7.9 m) beam × 11 ft (3.4 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: 360 gross tons, 323 net tons
- Location: Approximately 30 miles from Cove Island, Ontario
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: St. Catharines, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Lisgar was a wooden-hulled schooner-barge, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. These ships were designed to be towed by steamers and were primarily used for transporting bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain.
Description
Constructed in 1872 by Abbey & Son in Port Robinson, Ontario, the Lisgar measured 139 feet (42.4 meters) in length, with a beam of 26 feet (7.9 meters) and a depth of 11 feet (3.4 meters). The vessel had a gross tonnage of 360 and a net tonnage of 323. As a schooner-barge, it was built to carry large quantities of cargo efficiently across the Great Lakes, typically under tow by a steam-powered vessel.
History
On September 3, 1899, the Lisgar was en route on Lake Huron, carrying a cargo of coal. The vessel was in tow of the propeller steamer Clinton, along with the barge Grimsby. During the voyage, a sudden northerly storm struck the convoy. The severe weather caused the Lisgar to begin taking on water. In response, the tow lines were cut, and the Lisgar sank almost immediately. Witnesses reported seeing the crew on the floating cabin roof for a short time before they disappeared. Speculation at the time suggested that the positioning of the Lisgar between the steamer Clinton and the heavy barge Grimsby may have contributed to the vessel being pulled apart when the weather deteriorated. Of the seven crew members aboard, five perished, while the captain and a sailor were rescued after spending 91 hours adrift.
Significant Incidents
- September 3, 1899: The Lisgar sank during a storm on Lake Huron, resulting in the loss of five of the seven crew members.
Final Disposition
Following the sinking in 1899, the Lisgar was deemed a total loss. There is no information available regarding salvage operations or the recovery of cargo.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Specific details about the discovery or exploration of the Lisgar’s wreck site are not provided in the available sources.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lisgar-1873″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Lisgar in 1899 underscores the hazards faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly during severe weather conditions. The incident highlights the importance of accurate navigation and the challenges posed by sudden storms. The Lisgar’s story contributes to the broader understanding of maritime history in the region.
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.
- Name: Lisgar
- Former Names: None known
- Official Number: Not documented
- Date Built: 1872
- Builder: Abbey & Son, Port Robinson, Ontario
- Dimensions: 139 ft (42.4 m) length × 26 ft (7.9 m) beam × 11 ft (3.4 m) depth
- Tonnage: 360 gross tons, 323 net tons
- Date Lost: September 3, 1899
- Place of Loss: Approximately 30 miles from Cove Island, Ontario
- Lake: Huron
- Type of Loss: Storm-induced sinking
- Cargo: Coal
- Loss of Life: 5 of 7 crew members
- Home Port: St. Catharines, Ontario(Amusing Planet, apextribune.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, YouTube)
Vessel Type
The Lisgar was a wooden-hulled schooner-barge, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. These ships were designed to be towed by steamers and were primarily used for transporting bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain.
Description(Yahoo!)
Constructed in 1872 by Abbey & Son in Port Robinson, Ontario, the Lisgar measured 139 feet (42.4 meters) in length, with a beam of 26 feet (7.9 meters) and a depth of 11 feet (3.4 meters). The vessel had a gross tonnage of 360 and a net tonnage of 323. As a schooner-barge, it was built to carry large quantities of cargo efficiently across the Great Lakes, typically under tow by a steam-powered vessel.(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
History(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
On September 3, 1899, the Lisgar was en route on Lake Huron, carrying a cargo of coal. The vessel was in tow of the propeller steamer Clinton, along with the barge Grimsby. During the voyage, a sudden northerly storm struck the convoy. The severe weather caused the Lisgar to begin taking on water. In response, the tow lines were cut, and the Lisgar sank almost immediately. Witnesses reported seeing the crew on the floating cabin roof for a short time before they disappeared. Speculation at the time suggested that the positioning of the Lisgar between the steamer Clinton and the heavy barge Grimsby may have contributed to the vessel being pulled apart when the weather deteriorated. Of the seven crew members aboard, five perished, while the captain and a sailor were rescued after spending 91 hours adrift. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Disposition
Following the sinking in 1899, the Lisgar was deemed a total loss. There is no information available regarding salvage operations or the recovery of cargo.
Located By & Date Found
Specific details about the discovery or exploration of the Lisgar’s wreck site are not provided in the available sources.
Notmars & Advisories
No specific Notices to Mariners (Notmars) or advisories related to the wreck of the Lisgar have been identified. However, mariners operating in Lake Huron should be aware of submerged hazards and consult current nautical charts.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The loss of the Lisgar in 1899 underscores the hazards faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly during severe weather conditions. The incident highlights the importance of accurate navigation and the challenges posed by sudden storms. The Lisgar’s story contributes to the broader understanding of maritime history in the region.
lisgar-1873 1899-09-03 12:30:00