IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: KATIE ECCLES
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1877
• Builder: William Jamieson, Mill Point (Deseronto), Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 95 feet (29 meters) Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters) Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)
• Tonnage: 122 gross tons
• Location: Timber Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N44 00.617’ W76 44.614’
• Depth: 95 feet (29 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The KATIE ECCLES was a two-masted wooden Schooner designed for cargo transport, primarily coal and timber, across Lake Ontario. Built in 1877, the vessel was equipped with a single Deck and had a Gross Tonnage of 122. Schooners like the KATIE ECCLES were the backbone of commerce on the Great Lakes, providing essential links between Canadian and American ports.

HISTORY

Launched in 1877, the KATIE ECCLES began her career under the ownership of D. Eccles of Amherst Island, Ontario. For decades, the Schooner operated on Lake Ontario, carrying essential goods such as coal and timber. In 1886, ownership transferred to A. Campbell of Colborne, Ontario, and a significant rebuilding in 1889 extended her service life.

Notable Incidents

• May 8, 1883: The Schooner ran aground near Presque Isle, Lake Ontario. Despite this setback, she was successfully refloated and returned to service.
• September 22, 1909: While transporting coal, the KATIE ECCLES ran aground near Newcastle, Ontario. The Donnelly Wrecking Company refloated the vessel, ensuring her continued operation.

Final Voyage

On November 28, 1922, the KATIE ECCLES faced her final challenge. Carrying a cargo of coal, she was caught in a severe storm near Timber Island. The Schooner was being towed by the Tug MARY P. HALL but was driven onto the rocky shores of the island. Smoke seen from the cabin’s smokestack indicated the crew’s safety. However, salvage attempts by the Donnelly Wrecking Company were thwarted due to the vessel’s precarious position and low water levels.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The KATIE ECCLES was declared a Total Loss after the storm. Although her crew survived, the vessel and its cargo were lost to Lake Ontario. The wreck remains submerged near Timber Island, offering a poignant reminder of the challenges schooners faced on the Great Lakes.

SITE INFORMATION

Discovery: The wreck was initially located shortly after the sinking by the Donnelly Wrecking Company during attempted salvage efforts.

NOTMARs & Advisories: No active Notices to Mariners are associated with the wreck site. Divers and mariners should exercise caution when navigating or exploring the area.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the KATIE ECCLES lies at a depth of 95 feet (29 meters) near Timber Island. Over the years, the Schooner’s structure has degraded, with the Stern collapsed and other sections showing signs of decay. Despite this, key features like the bow, Deck winch area, and remaining artifacts provide valuable insights for divers and historians.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival information on Great Lakes vessels.
• Great Lakes Ships: Historical data and imagery.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Resources for wreck preservation and diving.
• Canadian Nautical Society: Reports and historical studies.
• Toronto Telegram 5 June 1943 29 May 1943
• 3D Shipwrecks – Katie Eccles

3d Model – Katie Eccles

Katie Eccles by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

CONCLUSION

The KATIE ECCLES exemplifies the resilience and utility of schooners in the maritime trade of the Great Lakes. Despite surviving numerous incidents and receiving extensive rebuilding, the Schooner succumbed to the unpredictable and often treacherous conditions of Lake Ontario. Today, the wreck serves as a testament to the era’s maritime heritage and the enduring challenges faced by vessels navigating these waters. For divers and historians, the KATIE ECCLES offers an invaluable window into the past, preserving the legacy of Great Lakes shipping.

KEYWORDS KATIE ECCLES, Wooden Schooner, Timber Island, Lake Ontario Shipwreck, 19th-Century Maritime History, Coal Transport, Canadian Maritime History.