History #
The ARABIAN, originally built as a barkentine in 1853 in Oakville, Ontario, faced a tragic fate on June 17, 1866. The vessel, measuring 90 feet in length, 10 feet in beam, and 9 feet in depth, with a tonnage of 135 tons, was lost in a storm near Cleveland on Lake Erie.
The ARABIAN, under the command and ownership of Captain Bentley Haskins, was bound for Darlington, Ontario, from Cleveland, carrying a cargo of stone blocks. However, the vessel encountered severe weather and was forced to return to Cleveland. Unfortunately, during its attempt to enter the harbor, the ARABIAN was wrecked, resulting in a total loss.
Tragically, six lives were lost in the incident, adding to the devastation of the vessel’s destruction. The ARABIAN had a history of ownership changes, with various individuals and companies having possession of the vessel over the years.
Despite the lack of specific details about the ARABIAN’s construction after its initial launch in 1853, the vessel’s legacy as a sturdy schooner and later a barkentine is recorded. The rebuilding of the ARABIAN in 1866 at Port Burwell, Ontario, by David Foster is noted, highlighting the vessel’s adaptation and modifications over time.
The loss of the ARABIAN in the storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous conditions faced by ships navigating the Great Lakes. The vessel’s story, though tinged with tragedy, contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake Erie and stands as a testament to the challenges and risks of seafaring in the 19th century.
External Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
