Identification & Site Information
•Name: BANSHEE
•Type of Wreck: Sidewheeler (Propeller)
•Location: Timber Island Bar, Lake Ontario
•Coordinates: N43 56.29’ W76 50.43’
•Dimensions:
•Length: 119 feet (36.3 meters)
•Depth at Wreck Site: 24 feet (7.3 meters)
•Site Status: Sank on August 21, 1861; discovered in 1967 by the Quinte Aqua Divers.
Vessel Type Description
The BANSHEE was a versatile sidewheeler propeller vessel designed primarily for freight transport between Montreal and Port Stanley. It was integral to mid-19th century Great Lakes commerce, handling bulk goods such as wheat, flour, and butter. Its dual role as a freight carrier and general trade ship made it a vital asset for its owners and the shipping lanes it served.
History
The BANSHEE, built for durability and utility, was a well-regarded freight vessel serving the critical routes between Montreal and Port Stanley. Owned by notable figures such as Mr. Robe and later Captain Howard of the Steamer MAGNET, the vessel was a familiar sight on Lake Ontario.
The Sinking
On August 21, 1861, the BANSHEE was caught in a severe storm on Lake Ontario. A machinery failure rendered the vessel unmanageable, and the relentless storm caused it to break apart near Timber Island, about a mile off the Point Traverse mainland. The ship’s cargo included:
•3,000 bushels of wheat
•250 barrels of flour
•300 kegs of butter
Most of the crew survived by using a small boat or clinging to floating wreckage, but one passenger, John Nagle, a printer, tragically drowned. Salvage operations during the winter of 1861-62 recovered significant portions of the cargo. Local residents salvaged additional items from the site.
Final Disposition
The BANSHEE rested in 18 feet of water after its sinking. Salvage operations targeted the cargo, leaving the Hull largely Abandoned. On October 15, 1967, the wreck was rediscovered by Mr. Dennis Kent and members of the Quinte Aqua Divers in 24 feet of water at Timber Island Bar. However, the wreck site was lost during the winter of 1967-68 and was successfully relocated on July 30, 1968.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the BANSHEE wreck site. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring near the Timber Island Bar area.
Located By & Date
•Initial Discovery: October 15, 1967, by Dennis Kent and the Quinte Aqua Divers.
•Rediscovery: July 30, 1968, after the wreck was lost during the winter of 1967-68.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The BANSHEE lies in 24 feet of water, making it an accessible dive site for recreational divers. The site offers a glimpse into the vessel’s construction and cargo operations, though time and environmental conditions have degraded much of the wreck.
Resources & Links
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
•Great Lakes Ships Database
•Q.A.D. Newsletter (1969): Archival information about the discovery and rediscovery efforts.
Keywords
BANSHEE, Sidewheeler, Propeller Ship, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, Timber Island Bar, 1861 Shipwreck, Canadian Maritime History, Quinte Aqua Divers.
Analysis
The story of the BANSHEE highlights the challenges of 19th-century maritime transportation on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s fate underscores the unpredictable nature of Great Lakes weather and the risks faced by ships reliant on relatively fragile technology. The wreck’s discovery over a century later reflects the enduring importance of maritime archaeology and the preservation of these submerged historical treasures.
Conclusion
The BANSHEE, a vital player in Lake Ontario’s mid-19th century trade, met its untimely end in the stormy waters near Timber Island. The rediscovery of its wreck by the Quinte Aqua Divers not only brought its story back into focus but also contributed to the broader understanding of Great Lakes shipping history. Today, the wreck serves as a testament to the resilience and peril of maritime commerce during its era.