The Britannia, a 19th-century wooden Schooner, is a fascinating case in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Below is the compiled detailed report:

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Britannia

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Dimensions: Not specified

•Construction: Wood, single Deck, two masts

•Built: Specific construction date not provided

•Location of Wreck: Near Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario, Ontario

•GPS Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth: Approximately 11 feet (3.4 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Britannia was a wooden Schooner, a vessel design well-suited to the Great Lakes trade during the 19th century. Schooners of this type typically featured two or more masts and were prized for their speed, versatility, and relatively low cost of operation. Wooden hulls were standard for the period, providing durability against the rough waters of the Great Lakes. These vessels were often used to transport goods such as grain, ash, and other bulk commodities between the ports that dotted the lakes.

HISTORY

The Britannia was engaged in the bustling maritime commerce of Lake Ontario during the mid-19th century, transporting essential goods between key locations such as Kingston and Picton, Ontario. On December 20, 1853, the Schooner embarked on a routine voyage but encountered severe winter conditions that would seal its fate.

As the ship navigated the frigid waters near Wolfe Island, it became trapped in thick ice. The ice inflicted damage to the Hull, causing the vessel to take on water. Despite the crew’s valiant efforts to save the ship, the Britannia became waterlogged and eventually sank. At the time, the ship was laden with cargo, including flour, ash, and various other goods. While there are few specifics about the vessel’s earlier operational history, the Britannia was representative of the critical role schooners played in connecting communities and supporting trade across the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Britannia now rests at a shallow depth of approximately 11 feet (3.4 meters) near Wolfe Island. The sinking was a direct result of the severe ice damage sustained during the voyage. Given its location, the wreck remains accessible to divers and snorkelers, providing a tangible link to Lake Ontario’s maritime past.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Current Status: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this wreck site.

•The shallow depth poses no significant navigational hazard but may attract recreational divers and history enthusiasts.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•The wreck of the Britannia has been known to local historians and divers for some time, though no specific details about its initial discovery or discoverer are documented.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The Britannia’s wooden Hull, subjected to over a century of underwater exposure, is likely in an advanced state of deterioration. However, portions of the structure may still be identifiable, particularly the frame and some cargo remnants.

•Accessibility: The wreck lies in shallow water, making it an excellent site for beginner to intermediate divers. Visibility in the area can vary depending on weather and sediment conditions, but the shallow depth allows for easy exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Great Lakes Maritime History

•Wrecksite Database: Britannia on Wrecksite

•Great Lakes Maritime Museum: Great Lakes Maritime Museum

•Historical Ice Navigation: National Snow and Ice Data Center

KEYWORDS

•Britannia, Wooden Schooner, Wolfe Island, Lake Ontario, Ice Damage, 19th Century Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History

ANALYSIS

The story of the Britannia highlights the risks faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during the harsh winter months when ice could render even the sturdiest of vessels vulnerable. The ship’s loss is a sobering reminder of the challenges of early maritime navigation and the ever-present danger of unpredictable weather. As one of the many vessels lost during this era, the Britannia adds depth to our understanding of the vital, yet perilous, trade networks of the time.

Its resting place near Wolfe Island serves as a historical and recreational diving site, allowing enthusiasts and researchers alike to connect with the maritime heritage of Lake Ontario.