Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Anna M. Foster (commonly referred to as Foster)

•Official Number: 71276

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Tonnage: Gross – 77.6 tons

•Length: 82 feet (25 metres)

•Beam: 20.3 feet (6.2 metres)

•Depth: 8.8 feet (2.7 metres)

•Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck, two masts

•Year Built: 1875

•Builder: David M. Foster, Port Burwell, Ontario, Canada

•Home Port: Port Burwell, Ontario, Canada

•Location of Wreck: 25 miles off the coast of Charlotte, Lake Ontario, USA

•Date of Wreck: August 31, 1889

Vessel Type Description

The Anna M. Foster, often referred to simply as the Foster, was a wooden Schooner used for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Built with a single Deck and two masts, it was robustly designed to withstand the rigours of lake navigation. Its dimensions and tonnage made it an effective vessel for carrying various freight, such as coal and agricultural products, serving many owners and routes throughout its operational life.

History

The Schooner began its life in 1875, built in Port Burwell, Ontario, by David M. Foster. Initially owned by Robert Abbott, David Foster, and Titus, it played a significant role in Great Lakes trade. Over time, the Schooner changed ownership multiple times, serving ports in Goderich, Kingston, and Port Burwell.

In November 1884, the Foster ran aground near Cobourg, Lake Ontario, suffering partial damage estimated at $1,000. Despite this incident, the vessel was repaired and continued operating until its final voyage in 1889.

The Collision and Sinking

On August 31, 1889, the Foster was transporting a cargo of coal to Kingston, Ontario. While sailing 25 miles off the coast of Charlotte, Lake Ontario, it collided with the steam yacht Siesta. The collision caused catastrophic damage, and the Schooner began taking on water, sinking shortly afterward.

The crew of four, including a female cook, were rescued by the Siesta. The survivors managed to save only a few belongings and a Newfoundland dog aboard the Schooner. Remarkably, the Siesta sustained no damage in the incident, highlighting the sturdiness of steam-powered vessels compared to wooden schooners.

Final Disposition

The Foster was lost entirely following the collision. It sank in deep water, and its exact location remains unknown. The vessel was never salvaged or documented in subsequent underwater surveys.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the Foster, as its wreck site has not been located or marked.

Located By & Date

The wreck has not been located, and its precise resting place remains unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the passage of time since 1889, the Foster’s remains are presumed to have deteriorated significantly. The wooden Hull would likely have succumbed to natural decay, leaving little to no trace. The site is inaccessible to divers or researchers, as its location has not been identified.

Resources & Links

1.Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory

2.Canadian Sessional Papers

3.C. Patrick Labadie Collection

4.Maritime History of the Great Lakes Newspaper Clippings: Explore Historical Archives

5.Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley

Keywords

Anna M. Foster, Schooner, Lake Ontario shipwreck, 1889 collision, Great Lakes history, maritime disaster, Port Burwell, coal cargo, wooden vessels.

Analysis

The story of the Anna M. Foster is emblematic of the challenges faced by schooners on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. From weathering storms to navigating congested waterways shared with steam-powered vessels, schooners like the Foster were vital yet vulnerable. The collision with the Siesta highlights the risks inherent to Great Lakes shipping during the era, while the survival of the crew is a testament to the resourcefulness and bravery of mariners. Despite its loss, the Foster contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the Great Lakes region.