Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: CLYDE

• Official Number: 83141

• Type: Three-masted wooden Schooner

• Built: 1864 by L. Shickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario

• Specifications:

• Length: 136 feet

• Breadth: 24 feet

• Depth: 12 feet

• Gross Tonnage: 313 tons

• Net Tonnage: 293 tons

• Owner: James Norris, St. Catharines, Ontario

• Final Voyage: Stranded on July 7, 1885, on Mohawk Island, Lake Erie

• Cargo: Oak and walnut lumber

• Estimated Loss Value: $10,000

Vessel Type Description

The CLYDE was a robust three-masted Schooner built by renowned shipbuilder Louis Shickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario. Shickluna’s shipyard was known for producing quality vessels for the Great Lakes trade, and the CLYDE was no exception. With its large cargo capacity and durable wooden construction, the CLYDE served its owners well for over two decades. Primarily used for transporting lumber and other goods across Lake Erie and other Great Lakes, the vessel was a part of the region’s bustling maritime economy during the late 19th century.

History

The CLYDE was launched in 1864, during a period when wooden schooners were crucial for trade and transportation on the Great Lakes. Owned by James Norris of St. Catharines, the vessel was well-suited for the demands of lake navigation, frequently carrying valuable cargoes of lumber and other goods. As a vital part of the commercial shipping industry, the CLYDE played a significant role in supporting the economic growth of Ontario and neighboring states by facilitating the movement of materials across the lakes.

Final Voyage and Wreck Event

On July 7, 1885, the CLYDE met its tragic fate while navigating through Lake Erie. Heavy fog impaired Visibility, causing the Schooner to stray off course and strand on Mohawk Island. Despite the vessel’s sturdy construction, the stranding proved catastrophic, resulting in irreparable damage that led to the CLYDE being declared a Total Loss. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. At the time, the vessel was carrying a valuable cargo of oak and walnut lumber, contributing to an estimated financial loss of $10,000, a substantial amount in 1885.

Historical Context

During the late 19th century, vessels like the CLYDE were essential for transporting lumber and other goods across the Great Lakes. With unpredictable weather and limited navigational aids, lake navigation was perilous, and fog, in particular, posed a severe risk. The CLYDE’s wreck serves as a reminder of the maritime hazards faced by Great Lakes sailors and the importance of advancements in navigation technology.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the CLYDE was left on Mohawk Island, marking the end of its more than 20 years of service. Declared a Total Loss by authorities, the Schooner was Abandoned, and its remains likely settled into the waters around the island, becoming part of Lake Erie’s underwater heritage.

Sources

• Casualty List for 1885, Marine Record, December 24, 1885

• Total Losses on the Lakes, 1885, Cleveland Leader, December 7, 1885

• Department of Marine and Fisheries, Statement of Wreck & Casualty, 1885

• Shipping Register, Port of St. Catharines

Conclusion

The CLYDE’s story highlights the challenges faced by wooden schooners on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather, heavy fog, and treacherous shoals often tested even the most seaworthy vessels. As a representative of the maritime history of Lake Erie, the wreck of the CLYDE provides insight into the era’s shipbuilding and navigation difficulties, as well as the dedication of the men who operated these vessels under challenging conditions.

Keywords: CLYDE Schooner, Lake Erie shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history, James Norris, Louis Shickluna, Mohawk Island wreck