Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Vision
• Type: Scow Sloop
• Year Built: 1864
• Builder: Christopher Harris
• Dimensions: Length 71.5 ft (21.8 m); Beam 17.6 ft; Depth of hold 6.3 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 59 tons (increased to 80 tons after rebuild)
• Location: Approximately one mile east of Oswego Harbor, New York
• Original Owners: Christopher Harris, Luther Harris
• Number of Masts: 1

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Vision was a scow sloop, a flat-bottomed, single-masted vessel. This design was highly suited for carrying bulk cargoes, such as barley, lumber, and grain, in shallow waters like those found near smaller ports and bays on Lake Ontario. Scow sloops were commonly used for inland transportation across the Great Lakes region due to their versatility and ability to navigate areas that larger vessels could not access.

Description

The Vision had a robust career transporting goods across Lake Ontario:

• 1864: Registered in Kingston, Ontario, the vessel began commercial service, carrying bulk goods across the lake.
• 1871: Ownership transferred to Luther Harris of Wolfe Island, Ontario.
• 1873: The Vision was rebuilt as a schooner at Dog Lake by Marceau, upgrading its structure to better handle heavier cargo and the rough conditions often faced on the Great Lakes.
• 1874: Following another rebuild, the vessel’s tonnage increased to 80 tons, enhancing its capacity for transporting larger amounts of cargo.
• The Vision was active on Lake Ontario for over two decades before meeting its final demise.

History

On November 12, 1885, the Vision foundered in a gale approximately one mile east of Oswego Harbor, New York, on Lake Ontario. The vessel was en route to Oswego carrying a cargo of barley when it encountered severe weather. Overwhelmed by the storm, the Vision sank, leading to the complete loss of the ship and its cargo. No crew casualties were reported, but the vessel and its cargo were considered a total loss.

Significant Incidents

As of now, there are no modern records of the Vision’s wreck having been discovered or salvaged. The remains of the vessel likely rest near the entrance to Oswego Harbor, though no formal exploration or recovery efforts have been documented to date.

Final Disposition

There are currently no navigational hazards, wreck markers, or advisories associated with the Vision near Oswego Harbor. However, the area is known for having multiple shipwrecks over the years, so caution is recommended.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The sinking of the Vision in 1885 serves as a reminder of the perils that smaller cargo vessels faced on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. While scow sloops like the Vision were well-suited for navigating shallow waters, they were particularly vulnerable to the harsh weather conditions that could arise on Lake Ontario. The story of the Vision adds to the rich tapestry of maritime history on the Great Lakes, illustrating the challenges of shipping in the region during that time.

Resources & Links

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The Vision remains a significant part of the maritime history of the Great Lakes, highlighting the risks faced by vessels operating in these waters.