Unknown British Schooner

Explore the remains of an unidentified British schooner lost in Lake Ontario during a storm in 1841, with debris discovered near the Genesee River.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unknown British Schooner
  • Type: Schooner (presumed)
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Near the mouth of the Genesee River, Charlotte, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Schooner (presumed)

Description

In early October 1841, debris from a vessel began washing ashore near the mouth of the Genesee River in Charlotte, New York. The wreckage included deck planks, beams, bulwarks, a scuttled hatch, and a quantity of pipe staves marked “D.X.” and “J.Y.” Additionally, five tarpaulin hats were found, suggesting the loss of the entire crew. The paint on the bulwarks indicated that the vessel was of British origin. It was presumed that the ship was en route to Long Island, Canada, carrying a cargo of staves.

History

The vessel likely departed from a Canadian port, possibly in Upper Canada, carrying a cargo of pipe staves intended for delivery to Long Island, Canada. On September 27, 1841, a severe gale struck Lake Ontario. Subsequent northerly winds drove fragments of the vessel ashore near the Genesee River. The absence of survivors or further information suggests that the ship foundered during the storm, resulting in the loss of all hands.

Significant Incidents

  • The vessel foundered during a severe storm on Lake Ontario on September 27, 1841.
  • Debris washed ashore near Charlotte, New York, in early October 1841.
  • No survivors were reported, and the ship was presumed lost with all hands.

Final Disposition

The vessel foundered during a severe storm on Lake Ontario on September 27, 1841. Debris washed ashore near Charlotte, New York, in early October 1841. No survivors were reported, and the ship was presumed lost with all hands.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreckage was discovered by local residents near the mouth of the Genesee River in early October 1841. No further recovery or identification efforts were documented.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”unknown-british-schooner” title=”References & Links”]

This incident underscores the perils of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly during severe weather conditions. The loss of this unidentified British schooner and her crew serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by sailors of the era. Further research into shipping records and insurance documents from the period may provide additional insights into the vessel’s identity and voyage.

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.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Unknown British Schooner
  • Date Built: Unknown
  • Measurements: Unknown
  • Date Lost: September 27, 1841
  • Final Disposition: Foundered during storm

Vessel Type

Schooner (presumed)

Description

In early October 1841, debris from a vessel began washing ashore near the mouth of the Genesee River in Charlotte, New York. The wreckage included deck planks, beams, bulwarks, a scuttled hatch, and a quantity of pipe staves marked “D.X.” and “J.Y.” Additionally, five tarpaulin hats were found, suggesting the loss of the entire crew. The paint on the bulwarks indicated that the vessel was of British origin. It was presumed that the ship was en route to Long Island, Canada, carrying a cargo of staves.

History

The vessel likely departed from a Canadian port, possibly in Upper Canada, carrying a cargo of pipe staves intended for delivery to Long Island, Canada. On September 27, 1841, a severe gale struck Lake Ontario. Subsequent northerly winds drove fragments of the vessel ashore near the Genesee River. The absence of survivors or further information suggests that the ship foundered during the storm, resulting in the loss of all hands.

Final Disposition

The vessel foundered during a severe storm on Lake Ontario on September 27, 1841. Debris washed ashore near Charlotte, New York, in early October 1841. No survivors were reported, and the ship was presumed lost with all hands.

Located By & Date Found

The wreckage was discovered by local residents near the mouth of the Genesee River in early October 1841. No further recovery or identification efforts were documented.

Notmars & Advisories

There are no known navigational warnings or advisories related to this incident.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

This incident underscores the perils of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly during severe weather conditions. The loss of this unidentified British schooner and her crew serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by sailors of the era. Further research into shipping records and insurance documents from the period may provide additional insights into the vessel’s identity and voyage.

Keywords: British schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, 1841 maritime disaster, Genesee River, Charlotte New York

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, 19th Century Maritime Incidents, Unidentified Vessels

Glossary Terms: Schooner, Pipe Staves, Tarpaulin Hats, Foundered

unknown-british-schooner 1841-09-27 13:45:00