Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: Sometimes recorded as Hanlon
• Official Number: C80952
• Vessel Type: Wooden 2-masted schooner
• Builder: W. Redmond, Picton, Ontario
• Year Built: 1880 (on the Hull of the earlier Schooner Mary Fox, built in 1867 at Dog Lake, Ontario, by J. Harris)
• Specifications:
• Length: 89 ft (27.1 m)
• Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m)
• Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 104 tons
• Net Tonnage: 97 tons
• Home Port: Kingston, Ontario
• Owner: Craig, Ritchie & Co., Belleville, Ontario

Service History

The Hanlan was built in 1880 using the Hull of the earlier Schooner Mary Fox, originally constructed in 1867. Schooners like Hanlan were workhorse vessels on the Great Lakes, transporting goods such as timber, grain, and coal.

The ship was operated out of Kingston, Ontario, and was owned by Craig, Ritchie & Co. of Belleville. Throughout her service, she likely participated in the local trade network that connected Lake Ontario’s ports with the St. Lawrence River and Upper Great Lakes.

Final Voyage & Loss – October 9, 1895

On October 9, 1895, the Hanlan was sailing near Bushy Island, located close to Belleville, Ontario, when a fire broke out onboard.

• The cause of the fire is unknown, but wooden vessels were particularly vulnerable to onboard fires, especially when carrying flammable cargo or materials like oil-soaked rigging.
• The crew attempted to control the fire, but it spread rapidly, forcing them to abandon ship.
• The vessel burned to a Total Loss before she could be saved.
• Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

Final Disposition & Wreck Site

• Location: Off Bushy Island, near Belleville, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• Condition: Completely destroyed by fire; any remains likely scattered or buried

Located By & Date Found

Nil return

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return

Resources & Links

📖 More on Great Lakes Shipwrecks:
🔗 Maritime History of the Great Lakes
🔗 Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
🔗 David Swayze Shipwreck File
🔗 Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The Hanlan was a classic Schooner of the Great Lakes, originally built using the Hull of an older vessel. She served for 15 years, likely carrying bulk goods across Lake Ontario, before being lost to fire near Belleville in 1895. Though no crew members were lost, her destruction marked the end of another hardworking 19th-century sailing ship.

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