Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Seneca
- Type: Merchant schooner
- Year Built: 1812
- Builder: Ebenezer Hubbard
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Niagara River (below Navy Hall)
- Original Owners: Ebenezer Hubbard (original owner); commandeered by British
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
(Provincial Marine merchant schooner)
Description
The Seneca was a merchant schooner originally owned by Ebenezer Hubbard. It was commandeered by the British at Kingston, Ontario, on June 25, 1812, and likely armed with 2 to 4 guns under the command of the Provincial Marine.
History
On June 25, 1812, the Seneca was seized at Kingston, Ontario, by the Provincial Marine as the War of 1812 began. It was pressed into service on Lake Ontario, possibly armed and crewed by Provincial Marine personnel. On November 2, 1812, it was stationed at York (Toronto) for inventory and stores inspection. On November 21, 1812, while anchored under Navy Hall in the Niagara River, the Seneca came under British/Provincial Marine control and was sunk by cannon fire from Fort Niagara, executed by American forces defending the fort.
Significant Incidents
- November 21, 1812: Sunk by cannon fire from Fort Niagara while at anchor under Navy Hall in the Niagara River.
Final Disposition
The Seneca was sunk by cannon fire from Fort Niagara on November 21, 1812, while at anchor in the Niagara River. The final location of the wreck is believed to be below Fort Niagara in the Niagara corridor. There were likely no recorded losses beyond the vessel itself, and no further details on crew casualties are available.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility for divers may be limited due to its location in the Niagara River.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”seneca-1812″ title=”References & Links”]
The Seneca serves as a historical reminder of the naval engagements during the War of 1812 and the role of the Provincial Marine in patrolling and supplying the Great Lakes region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →