Identification & Site Information

• Name: ANNA MILDRED
• Other Names: Unknown
• Official Number: C 153244
• Type at Loss: Pleasure Craft (yacht?)
• Date Built and Launched: 1926
• Measurements: 19 gross tons
• Date Lost: July 9, 1950
• Place of Loss: 3 miles off Port Dalhousie, Lake Ontario

Vessel Type

Pleasure Craft ( yacht)

Description

The ANNA MILDRED was a small vessel, yacht? given her modest tonnage of 19 gross tons. Built or acquired from foreign sources in 1926, the vessel’s construction details, ownership, and operational history remain largely undocumented. The lack of detailed records suggests that she was a private or lightly used vessel, operating primarily in the waters of Lake Ontario near Port Dalhousie.

History

Very little is known about the operational history of the ANNA MILDRED. Given her size and the era in which she was built, it’s plausible that she served as a private leisure craft or a small utility vessel. Her registration under the Canadian official number C153244 suggests she was registered for use in Canadian waters, but her origins—whether domestic or from abroad—remain unclear.

On July 9, 1950, the ANNA MILDRED suffered a catastrophic explosion and sank approximately 3 miles off Port Dalhousie in Lake Ontario. The exact cause of the explosion is unknown, and reports from the time are sketchy, offering little detail about the circumstances leading to the incident. It remains unclear whether there were any casualties associated with the explosion, or what cargo, if any, the vessel was carrying at the time.

Given the vessel’s size and potential use as a yacht, possible causes of the explosion includes fuel system failures, gas leaks, or mechanical malfunctions, all of which were common risks for small wooden or metal vessels during that era. The lack of follow-up information suggests that the incident that no significant loss of life or property, though this remains speculative due to the incomplete records.

Final Disposition

Exploded and sank 3 miles off Port Dalhousie, Lake Ontario on July 9, 1950. No recovery or salvage efforts are documented.

Located By & Date Found

Nil—no confirmed reports of the wreck’s recovery or current location.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil—no current navigational advisories related to the ANNA MILDRED wreck site near Port Dalhousie, Lake Ontario.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Canadian Ship Registers

Conclusion

The loss of the ANNA MILDRED in 1950 remains a mystery within Great Lakes maritime history due to the lack of detailed reports and documentation. While she seemed to be a private yacht, the circumstances surrounding her explosion and sinking off Port Dalhousie are largely unknown. The absence of information on casualties or salvage efforts suggests the incident may have had minimal immediate impact, though the reasons for her catastrophic failure remain speculative. As with many smaller vessels of the era, her story highlights the inherent risks of early 20th-century maritime travel and the sometimes-fragmentary nature of historical records.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: ANNA MILDRED yacht, Lake Ontario explosion, Port Dalhousie shipwreck, 1950 Great Lakes maritime incidents, small vessel explosion
• Categories: Lake Ontario Shipwrecks, Unsolved Maritime Incidents, 20th Century Yacht Explosions, Port Dalhousie Maritime History
• Glossary Terms:
• Yacht: A small, often privately-owned vessel used for leisure or light utility purposes.
• Explosion: A sudden and violent release of energy, often due to fuel or mechanical failure, leading to catastrophic structural damage.
• Port Dalhousie: A port community in St. Catharines, Ontario, known for its historical significance in Great Lakes shipping and the Welland Canal.