Lorraine (Alice Mary) C 72564

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Alice Mary (later Lorraine)
• Type: Sloop Barge (rebuilt as a Schooner)
• Year Built: 1875
• Builder: Christopher Harris of Dog Lake, Battersea, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 80 ft (24.4 m); Beam: 10.6 ft (3.2 m); Depth of hold: 5.4 ft (1.6 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 70.10 tons; Net: 67.15 tons
• Location: Cataraqui Wrecks, Bay of Quinte, Ontario
• Official Number: C 72564

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Alice Mary was constructed as a wooden sloop barge in 1875 by Christopher Harris of Dog Lake, Battersea, Ontario. Initially a single-masted barge for St. Lawrence River operations, the vessel was well-suited for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. After its wreck in 1882, the vessel was reconstructed as a schooner named Lorraine, featuring increased tonnage and modified design.

Description

The Alice Mary experienced a dramatic history on the Great Lakes. Built in 1875, it served various purposes until it encountered a severe storm on April 24, 1882. While carrying a cargo of peas, the vessel began leaking and eventually stranded in the Bay of Quinte near Kingston. The wreck was deemed a total loss, valued at $4,000.

After its initial loss, Captain Allen acquired the wreck and attempted to salvage and repair it. However, the decayed timbers and the swelling of the peas on board made restoration uncertain. Officially removed from the shipping registry on May 8, 1882, the vessel was soon rebuilt from its hull and rechristened Lorraine. Registered in Kingston in September 1882, Lorraine resumed operations under a new design as a schooner with 73.63 tons of gross tonnage.

The Lorraine continued to operate until it was noted as “supposed to be out of existence” in 1937, indicating its ultimate disappearance—whether by sinking, scrapping, or other means.

History

The Alice Mary was initially wrecked in the Bay of Quinte during a storm. After reconstruction as Lorraine, the vessel’s ultimate fate remains unclear, with historical records marking its presumed end in 1937.

Significant Incidents

• The Alice Mary was wrecked on April 24, 1882, during a storm while carrying peas.
• Captain Allen attempted to salvage and repair the wreck but faced challenges due to decay and cargo issues.
• Officially removed from the shipping registry on May 8, 1882.
• Rebuilt as the Lorraine and registered in September 1882.
• Noted as “supposed to be out of existence” in 1937.

Final Disposition

The Alice Mary was initially wrecked in the Bay of Quinte during a storm. After reconstruction as Lorraine, the vessel’s ultimate fate remains unclear, with historical records marking its presumed end in 1937.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Divers exploring the Cataraqui Wrecks in the Bay of Quinte should exercise caution due to potential hazards and the site’s historical significance.

Resources & Links

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The Alice Mary and its reincarnation as Lorraine offer a unique narrative within Great Lakes maritime history. They reflect the challenges and ingenuity of the late 19th century, preserving their legacy in the waters of the Bay of Quinte and the Cataraqui Wrecks. This story stands as a testament to the persistence of maritime communities and the enduring mysteries of shipwrecks.