Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Norway C 72583

Explore the storied wreck of the Norway, a three-masted schooner that navigated the Great Lakes for nearly five decades.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Norway
  • Type: Three-Masted Schooner
  • Year Built: 1873
  • Builder: Henry Roney
  • Dimensions: 135.1 ft (41.2 m); Beam: 25.9 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 360 tons
  • Location: Lake Ontario
  • Official Number: 72583
  • Original Owners: Dexter D. Calvin & Breck, Kaine & Bird Transportation Co.
  • Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Three-Masted Schooner

Description

The Norway was a wooden three-masted schooner built in 1873 at Garden Island, Ontario. Designed for cargo trade, it primarily transported timber and grain across the Great Lakes.

History

Early Service (1873–1880): The Norway was designed for cargo trade on the Great Lakes, frequently operating in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron. It served key ports such as Kingston, Detroit, and Port Colborne. Significant incidents during this period include a capsizing off Lexington, Michigan, in 1874, which did not result in a total loss, and a grounding at Point Pelee Island in 1875, which was successfully repaired.

Major Incidents (1880–1903): The Norway faced several challenges, including a collision with the schooner Laura Belle in 1877 and a capsizing near False Duck Island in 1880, which resulted in the loss of crew members. The vessel was righted and repaired, continuing operations after being rebuilt in 1881. Other notable incidents include being beached at Port Colborne in 1883 and a collision with the propeller steamer Briton in 1903.

Final Years (1903–1919): The Norway continued to operate as a bulk cargo carrier, eventually transferring ownership to Kaine & Bird Transportation Co. By 1919, the aging vessel was likely scrapped or abandoned, concluding its nearly five-decade service.

Significant Incidents

  • 1874: Capsized off Lexington, Michigan, but salvaged.
  • 1875: Ran ashore at Point Pelee Island, repaired in Detroit.
  • 1877: Collided with the schooner Laura Belle near Long Point, Lake Erie.
  • 1880: Capsized near False Duck Island; crew lost, vessel repaired.
  • 1883: Beached at Port Colborne, capsized in harbor.
  • 1903: Collided with the propeller steamer Briton at Algonac, Michigan.

Final Disposition

The final incident involving the Norway occurred in 1919, with the vessel likely being scrapped in Quebec or abandoned on the Great Lakes. Its long service history reflects the durability of wooden sailing vessels during its time.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the Norway wreck is not documented, but it is confirmed as a historical site of interest for divers and maritime historians.

Resources & Links

The Norway serves as a significant reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes, showcasing the challenges faced by wooden vessels in an evolving shipping industry.