Identification & Site Information
- Name: Wings of the Morning
- Former Names: None
- Official Registration Number: 26754
- Date Built and Launched: Built in 1854 by William Jones, Black River (now Lorain), Ohio
- Measurements: 132 ft (40.2 m) length x 26 ft (7.9 m) beam x 11 ft (3.4 m) depth; 340 tons
- Date Lost: Mid-October 1865
- Place of Loss: Near Port Colborne, Ontario
- Lake: Lake Erie
Vessel Type
The Wings of the Morning was a two-masted wooden schooner, a common type of cargo vessel on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, primarily used for transporting bulk materials as lumber, grain, and staves.
Description
Launched in 1854, the Wings of the Morning was a sturdy wooden schooner designed to navigate the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. With a length of 132 feet and a tonnage of 340, she was moderately sized, capable of handling significant cargo loads. The Schooner underwent major repairs in 1860, suggesting that she had seen considerable use in her first few years of service and remained a valuable asset in the shipping industry.
History
Owned by Winslow of Buffalo, New York, the Wings of the Morning was engaged in the transportation of staves—a crucial material for barrel-making, which was an important industry in the Great Lakes region during the 19th century. The vessel operated during a period of significant maritime activity on Lake Erie, with many schooners like her serving the booming trade networks between American and Canadian ports.
In mid-October 1865, while carrying a cargo of staves, the Wings of the Morning collided with another Schooner, the Marion Egan, near Port Colborne, Ontario. The collision occurred during stormy conditions, exacerbating the difficulty of controlling the vessels. After the collision, both schooners drifted out of control and eventually ran aground.
The Wings of the Morning suffered catastrophic damage when her back broke—a term used to describe the structural failure of a ship’s Keel or main Deck, rendering it non-salvageable. The vessel was declared a Total Loss. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities resulting from the incident.
Final Disposition
The Wings of the Morning was wrecked near Port Colborne, Ontario, after colliding with the Marion Egan. The vessel was declared a Total Loss after breaking apart onshore. No significant salvage efforts were recorded.
Located By & Date Found
Nil return.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No specific navigational warnings or obstructions related to the wreck of the Wings of the Morning have been issued.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The loss of the Wings of the Morning highlights the risks faced by schooners navigating the crowded and often stormy waters of Lake Erie during the 19th century. Collisions were a frequent hazard in an era before modern navigation aids and weather forecasting. Despite undergoing significant repairs in 1860, the Schooner met her end just five years later due to the combination of a collision and adverse weather conditions. Her wreck near Port Colborne is part of the rich maritime history of Lake Erie, which has seen countless vessels lost under similar circumstances.
Suggested Keywords: Wings of the Morning, Lake Erie shipwrecks, Port Colborne maritime history, schooner collisions, Great Lakes staves transport, Marion Egan collision.
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Erie, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Wooden Schooners of the Great Lakes.
Glossary Terms: Two-Masted Schooner, Collision at Sea, Back Broke (Ship Structural Failure), Staves Cargo, Great Lakes Trade Routes.
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