Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: MARY

•Type: Schooner

•Official Canadian Number: 74378

•Location: Galloo Island, Lake Ontario

•Last Known Coordinates: Not available (associated with debris near Galloup Islands)

•Depth: Not applicable (wreckage location remains unknown)

Vessel Type Description

The MARY was a wooden-hulled Schooner, constructed in Merritton, Ontario, in 1877. Its modest dimensions—84 feet in length, 20.3 feet in beam, and 7 feet in depth—reflect its design for cargo transport across Lake Ontario. With a Gross Tonnage of 87 tons, the Schooner was well-suited for its primary role in carrying bulk goods like coal.

History

The MARY operated under the ownership of Andrew Baird of Toronto and was an integral part of Ontario’s shipping network. On November 4, 1905, the Schooner departed North Fairhaven, loaded with coal, and was destined for Napanee, Ontario. Captain Baird, along with three crew members—all from Napanee—were aboard for the journey.

After setting sail, the Schooner vanished without further communication. On November 18, 1905, debris began washing ashore near the Galloup Islands, leading to fears that the vessel had been lost. Among the wreckage were green-and-white painted cabins, which matched the description of the MARY, confirming its tragic fate.

The specific circumstances of the sinking remain unknown. Possible causes include adverse weather, navigational errors, or structural failure. The loss of the MARY and its crew served as a stark reminder of the hazards of Great Lakes shipping during this era.

Final Disposition

The MARY likely sank during a severe weather event, breaking apart and scattering debris along the shoreline near Galloup Islands. The wreck site has never been definitively located, leaving the full story of its loss a mystery.

Located By & Date

Debris attributed to the MARY was first discovered on November 18, 1905, near Galloup Islands. To date, the precise location of the wreck remains unknown.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

•No active NOTMARs or advisories are associated with the presumed wreck site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the MARY has not been formally identified or documented. Its suspected location near Galloup Islands suggests that the remains are likely fragmented and may lie scattered across the lakebed or along the shoreline. Accessibility for diving or recovery remains uncertain.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical records for Great Lakes vessels.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archive of documented Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Information on the construction, operation, and loss of vessels like the MARY.

Keywords

MARY, Schooner, Galloup Islands, Lake Ontario, Andrew Baird, Shipwreck, Napanee, Great Lakes, Maritime History

Analysis

The story of the MARY embodies the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners in the early 20th century. Its disappearance and the discovery of its wreckage underscore the dangers of navigating these vast inland seas without the benefit of modern weather forecasting and navigation aids. While the full details of its loss remain unknown, the MARY’s fate adds to the rich tapestry of Lake Ontario’s maritime history. The tragic event reminds us of the resilience of those who worked these waters and the significant role of schooners in shaping the region’s economic and cultural history.