Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Royal Albert
- Type: Wooden Schooner, two-masted
- Year Built: 1858
- Builder: John Simpson, Oakville, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 103 ft 8/12ths (31.6 m); Beam: 23 ft (7.0 m); Depth of hold: 8 ft 10/12ths (2.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 159 tons
- Location: Approximately 10 miles off Little Sodus, Lake Ontario, New York, USA
- Coordinates: 43.449562, -76.863253
- Original Owners: John Simpson & Company; Thomas C. Chisholm, Benjamin Hagaman, Noah Brinhest; John Dench; Robert G. Post; H.C. Bolland
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Royal Albert was a robust wooden schooner constructed in Oakville, Ontario, in 1858 by John Simpson. Designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, the schooner was equipped with two masts, a single deck, and a spacious hold for bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and iron. Throughout its life, the vessel’s tonnage fluctuated due to modifications and re-measurements, reflecting its ongoing use and repairs. It served multiple owners and underwent significant overhauls during its decade-long career.
Description
Built at the “Simpson Shipyard” in Oakville, the Royal Albert was initially owned by John Simpson & Company. Its sturdy design allowed it to navigate the often harsh conditions of the Great Lakes, making it a vital asset for transporting goods between major ports.
History
By 1861, the schooner was co-owned by Toronto merchants Thomas C. Chisholm, Benjamin Hagaman, and Noah Brinhest. By 1865, ownership passed to John Dench of Trenton, Ontario, followed by Robert G. Post of Pickering in 1866. At the time of its loss in 1868, the Royal Albert was owned by H.C. Bolland of Oswego, New York.
Significant Incidents
- December 4, 1861: Ran ashore at Long Point, Ontario, on Lake Erie but was salvaged and repaired.
- 1865: The schooner underwent repairs and an increase in gross tonnage to 174 tons.
- The vessel continued its operations successfully before its final, fateful voyage.
Final Disposition
On August 7, 1868, while carrying a load of railroad iron, the Royal Albert foundered approximately 10 miles off Little Sodus in Lake Ontario. Split seams caused the vessel to fill with water and sink rapidly. The crew escaped in lifeboats and reached shore safely.
The exact cause of the sinking remains speculative. Heavy railroad iron cargo may have been improperly loaded, contributing to the vessel’s rapid loss of stability. The ship, valued at $10,000, was insured for $7,000.
Casualties: None reported. The crew survived by abandoning ship in lifeboats.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is presumed to be in a deteriorated state due to its age and the conditions of Lake Ontario. Wooden structures from the 19th century often degrade significantly in freshwater environments over time.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”royal-albert-1858″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck has been released, surveyed, and therefore it is not accessible to divers or researchers.
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