Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Pioneer
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1860
- Builder: Mr. M. Simpson of Newcastle
- Dimensions: 99 ft (30.18 m); Beam: 18 ft; Depth of hold: 7 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 115 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 45.72 m / 150 ft
- Location: Approximately 5-6 miles off Presqu'Isle Point, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Approximate, historical records do not provide exact coordinates.
- Original Owners: John Guy of Oshawa, John Blow of Whitby, John Allen
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Pioneer is classified as a schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its two or more masts and a fore-and-aft rig.
Description
The Pioneer was constructed with a carvel-built wooden hull, featuring a square stern and a standing bowsprit. It had a single deck and was designed for fishing and coal transport.
History
The Pioneer was launched in May 1860, built for fishing trips to the Gulf during the summer months. On June 11, 1871, while en route from Oswego loaded with coal, the vessel sank approximately 5 or 6 miles off Presqu’Isle Point. The cause of the sinking is unclear, but all crew members survived the incident. The vessel was registered in the port of Whitby, and its certificate was canceled in 1881, ten years after the loss.
Significant Incidents
- June 11, 1871: The Pioneer sank in Lake Ontario, approximately 5-6 miles off Presqu’Isle Point, while carrying coal from Oswego.
Final Disposition
The Pioneer was permanently lost off Presqu’Isle Point, marking the end of its maritime service and becoming part of Lake Ontario’s maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Pioneer lies at a depth of about 150 feet, making it accessible primarily to experienced divers due to the depth and conditions.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”pioneer” title=”References & Links”]
The story of the Pioneer serves as a reminder of the maritime challenges faced by 19th-century sailors and the importance of these vessels in the economic landscape of the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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