Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: R.H. Rae
- Type: Schooner (originally a Barque)
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length: 136 ft (41.5 m); Beam: 23 ft (7 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 344 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 27.43 m / 90 ft
- Location: Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: N 43° 53.035′ W 76° 50.515′
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The R.H. Rae is classified as a schooner, originally built as a barque, reflecting the design and construction techniques of the 19th century.
Description
The R.H. Rae, a three-masted wooden vessel, was notable for its durability and advanced shipbuilding techniques, including Cunningham’s patented self-reefing topsail and iron reinforcements at each mast.
History
Launched in October 1857, the R.H. Rae quickly achieved an A-1 classification, indicating high quality and seaworthiness. It was designed for significant cargo capacity, measuring 136 feet in length, with a beam of 23 feet and a depth of 11 feet.
In August 1858, the R.H. Rae set sail on its last voyage, carrying wheat to Montreal. It encountered a fierce storm near Duck’s Creek and capsized, with the crew rescued by the steamer COLONIST.
Significant Incidents
- 1858: The R.H. Rae capsized during a storm near Duck’s Creek, Lake Ontario.
- 1859: An unsuccessful salvage attempt was made.
- 1976: Initially located by Barb Carson.
- 1996: Rediscovered by the Ducks Dive team led by Chris Kohl.
Final Disposition
The R.H. Rae remains submerged and well-preserved, serving as a historical site accessible to divers. Its structure and surrounding artifacts provide insights into 19th-century maritime challenges.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies at a depth of 90 feet underwater, with its hull, bow, and distinctive split rudder intact. Divers can observe historical artifacts scattered around the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”r-h-rae” title=”References & Links”]
The R.H. Rae offers a valuable glimpse into maritime history, with its advanced design and tragic final voyage illustrating the rigors of early Great Lakes navigation. It is a popular site for recreational divers.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- • Wreck Name: R.H. Rae
- • Type of Wreck: Schooner (originally a Barque)
- • Location: Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
- • Coordinates: N 43° 53.035′ W 76° 50.515′
- • Dimensions: Length: 136 feet (41.5 meters) Beam: 23 feet (7 meters) Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
- • Gross Tonnage: 344 tons
• Site Status: Submerged, accessible for public diving
The R.H. Rae, originally a three-masted wooden barque, was known for its durability and adaptability, typical of 19th-century vessels. Built in 1857, it featured advanced shipbuilding techniques, including Cunningham’s patented self-reefing topsail and iron reinforcements at each mast. These innovations aimed to enhance its resilience in trans-Atlantic trade and endure the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes and open seas.
Vessel Construction and Design
Launched in October 1857, the R.H. Rae quickly achieved an A-1 classification—a prestigious indicator of quality and seaworthiness. Measuring 136 feet in length with a beam of 23 feet and depth of 11 feet, this vessel was designed for significant cargo capacity, with a gross tonnage of 344 tons.
Notable design features included:
• Split Rudder System: An advanced feature for better maneuverability.
• Iron Reinforcements: Ensured greater structural strength.
These features made the R.H. Rae a robust and capable cargo ship, embodying the peak of 19th-century maritime engineering and craftsmanship.
The Final Voyage
In August 1858, less than a year after its launch, the R.H. Rae set sail on its last voyage. Laden with wheat for Montreal, the ship encountered a fierce storm near Duck’s Creek, Lake Ontario. Despite its innovative design, the vessel succumbed to the storm and capsized. Fortunately, the crew survived, thanks to a timely rescue by the steamer COLONIST, but the R.H. Rae was lost to the depths of Lake Ontario.
Salvage Attempts and Rediscovery
After an unsuccessful salvage attempt in 1859, the R.H. Rae remained undisturbed for over a century. It was initially located in 1976 by Barb Carson but was rediscovered in 1996 by the Ducks Dive team, led by Chris Kohl.
Today, the wreck lies at 90 feet underwater, with its hull, bow, and distinctive split rudder still intact. Divers can view historical artifacts scattered around the site, including blocks, deadeyes, and various tools, creating a tangible link to the ship’s storied past.
Final Disposition
The R.H. Rae remains a well-preserved relic of 19th-century maritime history, accessible to divers and historians. Its structure and artifacts serve as poignant reminders of the challenges ships and sailors faced on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & Advisories
• Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs): There are no specific notices regarding the R.H. Rae wreck. Divers planning to explore the site should check the latest maritime advisories and weather conditions for safe diving.
Located By & Date
• Discovery: 1976 by Barb Carson; rediscovered in 1996 by the Ducks Dive team (led by Chris Kohl)
References and Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: [Link to resource]
- Chris Kohl’s “Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Survivals”: Contains detailed shipwreck accounts, including the R.H. Rae.
Conclusion
The R.H. Rae offers a rare and valuable glimpse into 19th-century maritime history. The ship’s advanced design and the tragic conditions of its final voyage provide important insights into the rigors of early Great Lakes navigation. Today, the site is a popular spot for recreational divers, who can experience a well-preserved piece of history firsthand.
Keywords: R.H. Rae, Schooner, Barque, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Main Duck Island, 1858 Shipwreck, Maritime History, Public Diving Site, Cunningham Topsail