London C 72584

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: London
• Type: Brigantine (later re-rigged as a schooner and used as a tow barge)
• Year Built: 1852
• Builder: Dexter D. Calvin (D.D. Calvin)
• Dimensions: Length 132 ft (40.2 m); Beam 22.4 ft (6.8 m); Depth of hold 10.7 ft (3.3 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 318 tons (later adjusted to 338 tons in 1879 and 263 net tons as a tow barge)
• Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Official Number: 72584
• Original Owners: D.D. Calvin, John Frazer, Calvin & Breck, Kingston & Montreal Towing Co.
• Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The London was originally constructed as a three-masted brigantine, designed for carrying bulk cargo such as grain and timber. It was later re-rigged as a schooner and used as a tow barge.

Description

The London served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes for over three decades, adapting to the shifting needs of maritime trade. Its history reflects the versatility of Great Lakes vessels and the challenges of 19th-century shipping.

History

The London was built in 1852 at Garden Island, Ontario, by Dexter D. Calvin. It underwent numerous ownership changes and modifications throughout its operational history, including re-rigging and extensive repairs.

Chronology:

• 1852-1858: Owned by D.D. Calvin, operating as a brigantine.
• 1858: Purchased by John Frazer, grounded in a storm but salvaged.
• 1859: Ran ashore at Bar Point, requiring repairs.
• 1864: Ownership transferred to Calvin & Breck, re-rigged as a barkantine.
• 1870: Underwent large-scale repairs.
• 1871: Suffered a broken rudder post, necessitating repairs.
• 1876: Returned to D.D. Calvin, re-rigged as a brigantine.
• 1879: Registered as a 338-ton schooner.
• 1886: Owned by Kingston & Montreal Towing Co., used as a tow barge.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage and Wreck Event:

• Date of Loss: October 2, 1886
• Final Location: Near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Cause of Loss: During a gale, the London was being towed by the tug Ferris when it was torn free from the towline and driven ashore, resulting in a total loss.
• Cargo: None reported, as it was operating as a tow barge.

Final Disposition

There is no record of significant recovery or archaeological exploration of the wreck. Given its wooden construction and the dynamic waters near Oswego, the remains of the London may have deteriorated significantly or been scattered.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the London remains unexamined, and its current condition is unknown. The lack of recovery efforts suggests that it may be difficult to locate or access.

Resources & Links

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The London stands as a testament to the maritime history of the Great Lakes, illustrating the adaptability of vessels in response to changing economic demands and the inherent risks of navigation during the 19th century.