Speedwell – Lake Ontario Schooner Shipwreck (1896)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Speedwell
• Type: wooden two-masted schooner
• Year Built: 1875
• Builder: George Dixon, Marysburgh, Ontario
• Dimensions: 111 × 24 × 10 ft; 181 GRT
• Registered Tonnage: 181 GRT
• Location: Toronto, Ontario
• Official Number: C72961
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Speedwell was a wooden two-masted schooner, primarily used for general cargo transport on Lake Ontario.

Description

Built in 1875 by George Dixon in Marysburgh, Ontario, the Speedwell measured 111 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and had a depth of 10 feet. It was registered with a gross tonnage of 181 GRT.

History

The Speedwell had a notable service history, including a grounding incident in November 1886 at Braddock’s Bay during a storm, where it was abandoned but likely refloated and repaired. Its service continued until a fire incident in June 1896.

Significant Incidents

• Fire at Dock – June 3, 1896: The Speedwell caught fire while moored off the Berkeley Street Wharf in Toronto. No crew were aboard, and the cause remains unknown. The fire caused extensive damage, leading to her being declared a total loss.
• Storm Grounding – November 1886: The vessel grounded during a storm at Braddock’s Bay, was abandoned, but was likely refloated and repaired to continue service.

Final Disposition

After the fire in 1896, the Speedwell was towed away from the wharf but was ultimately abandoned and likely scrapped or sunk subsequently.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is confirmed that the vessel was lost due to fire and subsequent abandonment.

Resources & Links

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The Speedwell serves as a reminder of the risks faced by wooden vessels in the late 19th century, particularly the dangers of fire when left unattended.