Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Niagara (formerly HMS Royal George)
- Type: Sloop-of-war / armed vessel
- Year Built: 1809
- Builder: Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard
- Dimensions: Length: 96 ft 9 in (29.5 m); Beam: 27 ft 7 in (8.4 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: ~330 tons (bm)
- Location: Kingston Harbour, east side of Navy Bay
- Official Number: British registry
- Original Owners: Provincial Marine, Royal Navy
- Number of Masts: Square-rigged
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Built under the authority of the Provincial Marine, with design by John Dennis, as a square-rigged corvette.
Initially armed with carronades for shore and squadron combat; hull configuration strong for inland naval warfare.
Description
The Niagara, originally named HMS Royal George, was a sloop-of-war that served as the flagship of the Provincial Marine and later the Royal Navy Lake Ontario Squadron. She was constructed of wood and had a robust design suitable for naval engagements on the Great Lakes.
History
Built between February and July 1809 at Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard, the vessel was inactive until 1811 due to trade restrictions. She entered service under the Provincial Marine and participated in several key naval engagements during the War of 1812, including the attack on Sacketts Harbor and the Battle of Kingston Harbour.
Renamed Niagara in January 1814, she continued to serve post-war as a transport vessel until her sale in 1837.
Significant Incidents
- July 19, 1812: Participated in the attack on Sacketts Harbor, engaging USS Oneida.
- October 1, 1812: Conducted a raid on the Genesee River, capturing American vessels.
- November 10, 1812: Engaged in the Battle of Kingston Harbour, retreating under British shore fire.
Final Disposition
The Niagara was abandoned circa 1814 in Kingston Harbour. Reports from 1845 indicate that her remains were still visible above the waterline. The hulk remained in Navy Bay for decades before being dismantled or decayed, with no formal scuttling or diving records.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Niagara is not submerged in deep waters but rather grounded or abandoned in shallow Kingston Harbour. There are no confirmed underwater archaeological surveys or dive records for this vessel.
Resources & Links
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The Niagara holds historical significance as a flagship during the War of 1812, representing British naval operations on Lake Ontario. Its legacy continues to be a point of interest for maritime historians and archaeologists.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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