Oliver Mowat C 92584

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Oliver Mowat
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: Bath, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 121 ft (36.9 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 30.5 m / 100 ft
• Location: Near Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
• Official Number: C 92584
• Number of Masts: Three masts, dynamited post-sinking

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Oliver Mowat was a robust, three-masted wooden schooner built specifically for the grain trade on the Great Lakes. Launched from Millhaven for the Fraser & George hardware firm in Kingston, it was constructed with high-quality timber from Amherst Island and the Bath area. The schooner represented the engineering excellence of the late 19th century and served as a vital link in the trade routes connecting Kingston to Chicago.

Description

The Oliver Mowat was well-regarded for its solid construction and reliability, earning it a reputation as a dependable vessel over its nearly 50 years of service. Its primary role was transporting goods such as grain and coal across Lake Ontario, which made it a staple of Great Lakes commerce.

History

On September 1, 1921, the Oliver Mowat departed Picton harbor bound for Oswego, New York, to load coal. Near Main Duck Island, at approximately 11 p.m., the vessel was struck by the steam barge Key West. Despite clear weather, the collision was unavoidable, tearing through the schooner’s midsection.

The Oliver Mowat sank quickly, tragically claiming the lives of:

• Captain Thomas Lake Van Dusen
• Mate Jacob Corby
• Cook Miss Carrie McGuigan

Efforts to rescue Miss McGuigan, who was trapped below deck, were unsuccessful. Both Captain Van Dusen and Mate Corby remained aboard in an attempt to save her, showcasing extraordinary bravery. The two remaining crew members, John Minaker and George Keegan, were rescued by the Key West.

Significant Incidents

The masts of the wreck protruded above the waterline, posing significant navigational risks. To eliminate this hazard, divers from the Canadian lighthouse tender Grenville dynamited the masts, leaving the hull on the lakebed.

A subsequent inquiry by the Dominion Wreck Commissioners in Montreal highlighted the heroism of Captain Van Dusen and Mate Corby. Their actions underscored the courage and selflessness often required of mariners.

Final Disposition

The Oliver Mowat rests on the bottom of Lake Ontario near Main Duck Island, with its hull remaining intact but stripped of its masts. The wreck serves as a historic artifact and a reminder of the perils of maritime navigation in the early 20th century.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is submerged at a depth of approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters). Given its depth, it is accessible to experienced divers with the appropriate training and equipment. The absence of masts may make navigation around the wreck safer, but caution should still be exercised due to potential debris and currents.

Resources & Links

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The sinking of the Oliver Mowat highlights the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, even under seemingly favorable conditions. The schooner’s nearly 50 years of service reflect its durability and importance to regional trade. Its tragic end, coupled with the heroic actions of its captain and mate, has cemented the Oliver Mowat as a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario. Today, the wreck serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by mariners and the enduring challenges of navigating these inland seas.