Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Banshee (formerly Maple Leaf)
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1879
- Builder: William LeClair and Company, Bronte, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 9 m / 30 ft
- Location: Near Sackets Harbor, New York (White's Bay, Henderson Harbor, Lake Ontario)
- Coordinates: [Exact coordinates needed]
- Official Number: Canadian C 92436 / U.S. 74399
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A small two-masted wooden schooner originally built for commercial cargo trade on Lake Ontario.
Description
Banshee was a traditional Canadian-built schooner of the late 19th century. The wreck consists of low-lying remains, mostly the portside and a section of the bilge lying flat on the lakebed.
History
Originally launched as Maple Leaf in 1879, the vessel served regional cargo routes. Renamed Banshee by the time of her loss, she was anchored and unattended in White’s Bay when a southwesterly gale struck on October 1, 1924. Dragging anchor, the vessel grounded near Sackets Harbor and quickly broke up, resulting in total loss.
Additional historical context from a 1947 Toronto Telegram article by C.H.J. Snider details the vessel’s varied identities and rich operational life under names including William Goldring. The article chronicles her seizure during U.S. Prohibition, her conversion to a private yacht, and her ultimate loss in a storm.
Significant Incidents
- Grounded during a gale on October 1, 1924, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
Destroyed by grounding during a gale; scattered remains in shallow water.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Publicly known site, identified by local divers and regional surveys.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”banshee-us-74388-maple-leaf-c-92436″ title=”References & Links”]
The Banshee represents the final stage of active schooner use on Lake Ontario. Her grounding and breakup in 1924 mark a common end for many aging wooden vessels of the era. Now partially preserved, the wreck offers an accessible shallow dive for regional maritime history enthusiasts.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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