Olive Branch (1871)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Olive Branch
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1871
• Builder: W. Redman
• Dimensions: Length: 92 ft 4 in (28.1 m); Beam: 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold: 8 ft (2.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 160 tons; Net Tonnage: 121 tons
• Location: 4 miles east of False Duck Islands, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Latitude 43°55.900′N, Longitude 76°44.269′W
• Original Owners: Walter Ross, Thomas Wellbanks, Joseph Dix, Christopher Harris, Andrew Ault
• Number of Masts: Intact

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Olive Branch was a classic wooden schooner, a type of vessel widely used in the 19th century for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Schooners like this were known for their efficiency and versatility, with fore-and-aft rigged sails that adapted well to variable wind conditions. The Olive Branch was built with a single deck, designed to maximize cargo space for goods such as coal. Its design reflected the shipbuilding expertise of the time and the growing demand for robust vessels capable of enduring the Great Lakes’ challenging waters.

Description

The Olive Branch was built in 1871 by W. Redman at Picton, Ontario, and was initially owned by Walter Ross. Over the years, the schooner changed hands several times:

• 1871: Owned by Thomas Wellbanks and associates of South Marysburg, Ontario.
• 1872: Ownership transferred to Joseph Dix of Garden Island, Ontario, then to Christopher Harris of Storrington, Ontario.
• 1877: Andrew Ault and others of Kingston, Ontario, became the final owners.

The schooner was a key part of the Great Lakes trade network, transporting various goods, including coal, which was a vital commodity during the late 19th century.

History

On September 30, 1880, the Olive Branch embarked on what would become its last journey. Laden with 200 tons of coal, the vessel was caught in a gale near False Duck Islands. Witnesses reported the schooner in distress, with only portions of its foresail and jib visible as it battled heavy seas. The Olive Branch ultimately capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of all five crew members, including:

• Captain Andrew Ault
• Four unnamed crew members

The disaster was observed by the captains of nearby vessels Huron, Fitzhugh, Augusta, and Dudley, but assistance was impossible due to the harsh conditions. The schooner’s topmast was later spotted protruding from the water, confirming its fate.

Significant Incidents

• Date of Loss: September 30, 1880
• Cause of Loss: Capsized during a gale while carrying coal.
• Final Location: Approximately 4 miles east of False Duck Islands in Lake Ontario.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Olive Branch lies upright on the lakebed, offering a rare and well-preserved example of a 19th-century schooner. Notable features include:

• Ship’s Wheel: Still in place.
• Masts, Anchors, and Deadeyes: Intact and accessible.
• Artifacts: Personal items such as a shoe sole and a large saucer are remarkably preserved.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Visibility: 10 to 60 feet (3 to 18 meters), depending on weather and water conditions.
Temperature: High 30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (4 to 7 degrees Celsius).
Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers with cold-water experience.

Resources & Links

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There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the Olive Branch wreck. Mariners and divers should navigate carefully around the site to preserve its integrity.