Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Orion
- Type: Wooden, two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: Likely in Ontario or upper Great Lakes region
- Dimensions: Estimated 90–110 ft (27–33.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Presumed shoal on Lake Ontario
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Orion was a two-masted schooner designed for bulk freight such as pulpwood, common in eastern Great Lakes commerce. These schooners were robust yet relatively shallow-drafted to facilitate unloading at unstructured timber ports and river mouths.
Description
The vessel departed on a timber-hauling voyage and encountered stormy weather on Lake Ontario on 17 August 1907. Battling strong waves and lateral wind forces, the schooner veered off course and grounded on a shoal. The location was not precisely documented, but she was presumed to be operating near the Ontario shore, potentially in the vicinity of Prince Edward County, Long Point, or the Bay of Quinte. There were no reported injuries, and the crew was able to evacuate safely.
History
The Orion was abandoned after grounding. The extent of damage was likely enough to prevent refloating. No records confirm that the hull was salvaged, towed, or burned. The vessel was considered a total loss. No further shipping records exist past the date of the incident.
Significant Incidents
• The Orion grounded on a shoal during a storm on 17 August 1907.
• No casualties were reported among the crew.
Final Disposition
The Orion was abandoned after grounding. The extent of damage was likely enough to prevent refloating. No records confirm that the hull was salvaged, towed, or burned. The vessel was considered a total loss. No further shipping records exist past the date of the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil return. There are no confirmed underwater archaeological records or sonar images matching the Orion. In 2024, a shallow timber and iron fastener field was documented off the Ontario shoreline east of Presqu’île Point, but has not been confirmed as Orion.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”orion-1872″ title=”References & Links”]
The Orion, a pulpwood schooner built in 1872, was stranded and lost on 17 August 1907 while fighting heavy weather on Lake Ontario. Though her crew escaped, the vessel was abandoned and her final resting place remains unlocated. Further archival work and shoreline sonar mapping may eventually confirm her position.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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