Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: PERSIA
- Type: Stone Hooker Schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Hamilton, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 101.5 ft (30.9 m); Beam: 24.8 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold: 9.66 ft (2.9 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 160.95 tons
- Location: Approximately six miles off Point Petre, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: N 43° 48.315′ W 77° 03.34′
- Official Number: C 88533
- Original Owners: Various individuals and enterprises
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The PERSIA was a robust two-masted schooner built in 1867 in Hamilton, Ontario, specifically for stone hooking, a practice that involved gathering stones from lakebeds for use in construction. With a carvel wood hull and sails as its propulsion, the PERSIA was a reliable vessel tailored to transport heavy stone across the often unpredictable Great Lakes waters. Its design reflected the demands of the stone trade, which played a crucial role in Ontario’s 19th-century infrastructure development.
Description
The PERSIA was emblematic of the bustling maritime activity of the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Owned by various individuals and enterprises over its lifetime, the vessel was essential to the region’s stone trade. Key moments in its history include:
History
Rebuild in 1888: Under ownership by David O’Hagan of Picton, Ontario, and David O. Allison of Adolphustown, Ontario, the schooner underwent a significant rebuild to improve its durability and capacity.
Life Aboard: Known for its unique feature, a pet raccoon became a memorable part of the crew, often seen roaming the deck, chained to a light pail to prevent it from climbing the rigging.
The Storm of 1891: On September 8, 1891, the PERSIA faced a devastating storm while carrying building stone from Kingston to Toronto. The schooner foundered six miles off Point Petre Light. Despite the loss of the vessel, the crew and their pet raccoon managed to escape safely in a yawl boat.
Post-Storm Attempts to Salvage: In 1893-1894, efforts were made to repair the PERSIA for a return to service. Unfortunately, during a subsequent voyage, the schooner began taking on water and sank off Long Point. The crew and the raccoon again survived, but the ship’s story ended in final loss.
Significant Incidents
- The PERSIA sank during the storm of September 8, 1891, and lies submerged near Point Petre in Lake Ontario.
- Efforts to salvage the vessel were made in 1893-1894, but it ultimately sank again.
Final Disposition
The PERSIA sank during the storm of September 8, 1891, and lies submerged near Point Petre in Lake Ontario. The wreck is of interest to divers and maritime historians and remains an example of the resilience and perils faced by 19th-century schooners.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Historical records have documented the PERSIA’s wreck location, though modern dives have yet to extensively survey the site. The coordinates are well-known in the shipwreck diving community, and the site offers opportunities for further exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”persia-c-88533″ title=”References & Links”]
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are tied directly to the wreck of the PERSIA. Divers should consult current navigational advisories and exercise caution when exploring near Point Petre.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →