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.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Orion
- Built: 1872 (likely in Ontario or upper Great Lakes region)
- Vessel Type: Wooden, two‑masted schooner
- Dimensions: Not precisely recorded, estimated 90–110 ft (27–33.5 m)
- Cargo on Final Voyage: 125 cords of pulpwood
- Date of Loss: 17 August 1907
- Location: Presumed shoal on Lake Ontario
- Casualties: None reported
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.
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.
Located By & Date Found
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’ile Point, but has not been confirmed as Orion.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no navigational warnings or modern chart notations identifying the wreck of Orion. However, the area remains shallow, with shifting shoals and unmarked wreckage from other similar losses, representing potential hazards to divers and small craft.
Resources & Links
- greatlakeships.org
- David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Vessels
- No archival wreck photo, GPS fix, or dive documentation currently exists
Conclusion
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.
orion-1872 1907-08-17 00:40:00