Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Governor (also referred to as “Old Schooner Governor”)
  • Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Date Lost: Prior to 1873
  • Final Disposition: Sunken and obstructing navigation beneath the Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario

Vessel Type

Wooden Schooner

Description

The Governor was a wooden Schooner that sank beneath the Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario, becoming a significant obstruction to navigation in the area.

History

While specific details about the construction, ownership, and operational history of the Governor are scarce, its final chapter is notably documented. By the early 1870s, the sunken vessel posed a hazard to maritime traffic beneath the Cataraqui Bridge. In an effort to remove this obstruction, two attempts were made to destroy the Hull using nitroglycerine charges. Unfortunately, both attempts failed to achieve the desired result.

Tragically, during one of these operations in 1873, an individual named Little was killed when a nitroglycerine charge detonated unexpectedly. This incident underscores the dangers associated with early explosive demolition techniques and highlights the challenges faced in maintaining safe navigation channels during that period .

Final Disposition

The Governor remained submerged beneath the Cataraqui Bridge, continuing to obstruct navigation despite demolition efforts. The ultimate fate of the vessel—whether it was eventually removed, dismantled, or left to decay—is not clearly documented in available historical records.

Located By & Date Found

Specific details regarding the discovery or initial documentation of the Governor‘s wreck are not available in the consulted sources.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The sunken Governor was recognized as a navigational hazard beneath the Cataraqui Bridge in Kingston, Ontario. Mariners operating in this area during the 1870s would have been advised to exercise caution due to the obstruction posed by the submerged vessel.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Governor serves as a historical example of the challenges associated with maritime navigation and infrastructure maintenance in the 19th century. The failed demolition attempts and resulting fatality highlight the limitations of contemporary technology and the inherent risks of underwater salvage operations during that era.

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: Governor Schooner, Cataraqui Bridge, Kingston shipwreck, 19th-century maritime hazards, nitroglycerine demolition, underwater obstructions

Categories: Maritime History, Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario, Navigational Hazards, 19th Century Shipwrecks, Canadian Maritime Incidents

Glossary Terms:

  • Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast.
  • Cataraqui Bridge: A historical bridge in Kingston, Ontario, spanning the Cataraqui River.
  • Nitroglycerine: A highly explosive compound used in demolition and blasting operations.
  • Navigational Hazard: An obstacle or condition that poses a risk to the safe passage of vessels.
  • Underwater Obstruction: Any submerged object that can impede or endanger navigation.