Anne (1854, Bark or Schooner)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Anne
• Official Number: None
• Vessel Type: Bark or Schooner, wooden, three-masted
• Build Information: Unknown (records on construction and specifications are incomplete).
• Specifications: Unavailable (length, tonnage, and other details not documented).
• Final Disposition
• Date of Loss: December 1854
• Location: Near Goderich, Ontario, on Lake Huron.
• Type of Loss: “Lost” (specifics are unclear, but believed to have Foundered or stranded).
• Casualties: All but one of the crew were lost, marking this as a tragic disaster.
• Cargo: Unknown (no surviving records indicate what the Anne was carrying).

Incident Details

The loss of the Anne was reported by the captain of another vessel that had been stranded at Kettle Point, Ontario, a treacherous area known for its rocky shoals and strong winter storms. The Anne, or possibly another vessel like the Colonel Carry, was reportedly lost near Goderich during a severe December storm.  The exact circumstances of the sinking remain unclear, but the vessel likely succumbed to high winds, heavy seas, or icy conditions that frequently plagued the Great Lakes in winter.

Historical Context

Winter Perils on Lake Huron  December storms on the Great Lakes, often referred to as “Gales of November”, were infamous for their intensity. Many vessels were lost during late-season voyages, often with significant loss of life.  Wooden sailing vessels like the Anne were especially vulnerable, as their construction and limited safety measures made it difficult to survive catastrophic conditions.

Goderich, Ontario

Was a key port on Lake Huron, often frequented by vessels transporting grain, timber, and other goods.  The waters near Goderich were notorious for dangerous shoals, particularly during storms.

Similar Losses

 The Anne has sometimes been associated with the Colonel Carry, another three-masted vessel lost in the same area during December 1854. However, due to incomplete records, it is unclear if they are separate incidents or the same wreck misidentified in reports.

Legacy

The Anne’s story reflects the inherent dangers of early Great Lakes navigation, particularly during the late fall and early winter months.  Its loss contributed to calls for improved safety measures, including better charting of treacherous waters and more robust vessel construction.

Further Research Opportunities

• Local Archives in Goderich: Historical societies in the Goderich area may have additional records or reports of this disaster.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca  A valuable source for shipwreck records and details of vessels lost in Lake Huron.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Databases: Databases like those maintained by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society might contain information about the Anne or other vessels lost in the same timeframe.

Conclusion

The Anne’s loss near Goderich, Ontario, in December 1854 remains a tragic and enigmatic chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. With limited records, its exact fate and identity remain speculative, but its story highlights the perils faced by 19th-century sailors and the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during storm season. Further investigation may shed more light on this ill-fated vessel.