The schooner “Olive Branch” was built in 1871 at Picton, Ontario by W. Redman.
The Olive Branch was 92.4’ Length x 22’ Beam x 8’ Depth and it’s Gross Tonnage was 160.
On September 30, 1880 the schooner foundered and capsized in a gale 4 miles east for False Duck Island, Lake Ontario.
The vessel’s owner at the time of sinking was Andrew Ault and other investors.
The Olive Branch’s demise was caused by heavy sea conditions and poor visibility. Three other vessels witnessed the schooner plunge to the bottom of the lake.
The wreck of the Olive Branch is remarkably preserved. Several artifacts can be found such as shoe soles, deadeyes, blocks, a large anchor and the masts are laying on the starboard side.
The ship’s wheel is still in place, although broken.
Visibility on this wreck ranges from 10 to 60 feet and the temperature from high 30’s to mid 40’s Fahrenheit (5 – 7 degrees Celsius).