Identification & Site Information

• Name: Clara Hill
• Type: Wooden Schooner (originally a yacht)
• Official Number: 125753
• Year Built: 1879
• Builder: Fairhaven, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 45 feet (15 meters) Beam: 12 feet (3.7 meters) Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
• Gross Tonnage 16 tons
• Net Tonnage 15 tons
• Final Disposition: Wrecked near Big Sandy Creek Bay, Lake Ontario, on November 30, 1883

•Cause of Wreck: Struck bottom and drifted toward shore due to a severe storm

•Coordinates: Near the Big Sandy Lifesaving Station, Lake Ontario (exact coordinates undocumented)

•Depth at Wreck Site: 0-25 feet (0-8 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Clara Hill was a small wooden Schooner, initially constructed as a yacht before being repurposed for cargo transport. Relaunched in 1879 in Fairhaven, New York, the vessel’s design, while compact, allowed it to navigate Lake Ontario and support the vital trade of coal and salt during the late 19th century. Its size and cargo capacity were modest compared to larger Great Lakes schooners, but it was an important vessel for regional commerce.

History

The Clara Hill operated under the command of Captain F. J. Rose, an experienced sailor from Fairhaven, New York. On November 30, 1883, the Schooner embarked on a voyage carrying coal and salt to Oswego, New York. A sudden and severe winter storm swept across Lake Ontario, bringing dense fog, snow squalls, and heavy seas that made navigation extremely difficult.

As the storm worsened, the Schooner, heavily iced and difficult to maneuver, sought refuge in Big Sandy Creek Bay, near the Big Sandy Lifesaving Service Station . However, the Clara Hill struck bottom, and as the storm continued, the vessel drifted perilously toward the shore. The Schooner ran aground and began to break apart in the shallow waters, with its structure succumbing to the relentless pounding of the waves and ice.

Final Disposition

The Clara Hill met its end in the icy, storm-tossed shallows near Big Sandy Creek Bay. The United States Lifesaving Service stationed nearby swiftly responded, rescuing Captain Rose and his sole crew member, ensuring no loss of life. However, the Schooner itself was declared a Total Loss, valued at approximately $1,000—a significant sum for the time. Adding to the tragedy, the vessel was uninsured, amplifying the financial impact of the disaster.

The remains of the Clara Hill lie in shallow water, ranging from 0 to 25 feet (0 to 8 meters) deep, just off the bay. The wreckage, now mostly disintegrated, serves as a reminder of the perils faced by mariners on Lake Ontario during the harsh winter months.

Legacy and Impact

The wreck of the Clara Hill illustrates the constant danger Great Lakes sailors faced due to unpredictable weather and treacherous winter conditions. The incident, documented in the Marine Record on December 6, 1883, provides a poignant account of the Schooner’s final moments. Captain Rose’s testimony highlighted the severity of the weather, as ice accumulation and fierce winds overwhelmed the small Schooner.

The swift actions of the United States Lifesaving Service were critical in preventing fatalities, showcasing the importance of these lifesaving stations in safeguarding mariners. The Clara Hill’s story stands as a testament to the bravery of sailors and lifesavers alike, and to the harsh realities of navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century.

Resources & Links

• Marine Record, December 6, 1883
• United States Coast Guard – Big Sandy
• Great Lakes Ships – Clara Hill
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes vessels and incidents
• Wikipedia – United States Lifesaving Service
• United States Lifesaving Service Records: Detailed accounts of rescue operations during the Schooner’s wreck

Keywords

Clara Hill, Wooden Schooner, Big Sandy Lifesaving Station, Lake Ontario, 19th-century shipwreck, United States Lifesaving Service, Fairhaven New York, Captain F. J. Rose, coal and salt cargo, storm wreck