The Briton (s. & J. Collier – St. Lawrence River Schooner Shipwreck

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: The Briton (originally S. & J. Collier)
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1872
• Builder: John Tait
• Dimensions: 106.5 ft (32.5 m); Beam: 23.67 ft (7.2 m); Depth of hold: 8.58 ft (2.6 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 146 tons
• Location: Mudlunta Island, St. Lawrence River, near Gananoque, Ontario
• Original Owners: Saul and John Collier; later Captain Vandusen

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Briton was a schooner built for both speed and utility, a hallmark of maritime ingenuity in 19th-century North America. Designed to navigate shallow waters while carrying heavy cargo, the vessel’s graceful lines and robust construction epitomized the workhorse qualities required for Great Lakes commerce. Its clipper bow and efficient rigging made it a versatile vessel, capable of participating in competitive races as well as fulfilling its primary role in trade.

Description

The Briton was built in 1872 by John Tait and named after its first owners, Saul and John Collier, prominent maritime figures. With Captain Robert Snetsinger as its first master, the schooner quickly became integral to the barley trade, which was a cornerstone of commerce in Prince Edward County. The S. & J. Collier was not only a vital cargo transporter but also a participant in the Great Lakes’ lively and competitive shipping culture.

History

By the 1890s, the S. & J. Collier was registered in Port Hope, Ontario. In 1902, under Captain Vandusen of Picton, the vessel underwent significant changes. Repainted white and renamed The Briton, the schooner continued to ply its trade. However, the early 20th century saw the decline of traditional schooners as newer shipping technologies emerged. By 1910, The Briton had ceased active service. The schooner spent 15 years as a stationary landmark before being abandoned near Mudlunta Island. Over the decades, the vessel succumbed to natural decay, leaving behind fragments as a silent testament to its storied past.

Significant Incidents

• Notable Races: The vessel engaged in spirited races, notably against the schooner Nellie Hunter, where its agility and design were tested to the limits. These races added a layer of excitement and prestige to its operations, as speed often determined profitability in reaching markets first.

Final Disposition

• Wreck Status: Scattered remains on the riverbed, primarily hull fragments and other structural elements.
• Accessibility: Located in shallow waters near Mudlunta Island, it is accessible to divers and underwater archaeologists.
• Conditions: Relatively tranquil location, offering clear water conditions suitable for exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The shallow waters of Mudlunta Island make this site accessible for divers and historians. Although time and the elements have reduced much of the ship to fragments, these remains still offer invaluable insights into shipbuilding techniques and the daily operations of Great Lakes schooners.

Resources & Links

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The Briton, from its beginnings as the S. & J. Collier to its final resting place near Gananoque, serves as a vivid reminder of the heyday of schooners on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Its story of resilience, competition, and eventual decline mirrors the trajectory of an entire era in maritime history, keeping alive the legacy of the wooden ships that were once the lifeblood of commerce and culture.