Other Names #
- MAPLE LEAF
The Tragic Fate of the Honora Carr: A Schooner’s Final Journey #
The story of the Honora Carr, formerly known as the Maple Leaf, is one filled with both resilience and tragedy. Built in 1867 by Redmond & Tait in Picton, Ontario, this wooden two-masted schooner spent nearly two decades navigating the Great Lakes. However, on September 4, 1886, the Honora Carr encountered a violent storm that led to its ultimate demise in the depths of Lake Erie. In this blog post, we uncover the details surrounding its construction, the events leading to its loss, and the aftermath of this fateful voyage.
The Honora Carr was originally constructed as the Maple Leaf, measuring 91.7 feet in length, 21.6 feet in width, and 7.7 feet in depth. With a gross tonnage of 135 tons, it embarked on its maiden voyage in 1867 under the ownership of Curry, Striker & Wellbanks. Over the years, the ownership of the vessel changed several times, with various individuals and companies taking command of the Maple Leaf.
On September 4, 1886, the Honora Carr departed from Buffalo, New York, carrying a cargo of 200 tons of coal destined for Port Huron, Michigan. However, fate had other plans for the schooner. Around midnight, the ship began to leak, prompting the crew to turn back towards Buffalo for shelter. As the leaking worsened, the vessel foundered in 60 feet of water, approximately two miles southwest of Point Abino and 14 miles from Buffalo. The treacherous storm proved too much for the Honora Carr to withstand.
Tragically, one life was lost in the sinking of the Honora Carr. A sailor named Thomas Scott from Buffalo was carried down by the suction of the sinking vessel and drowned. The remaining crew members, including Captain Edward Carr, Jame McGerry, William Keith, and Scott’s wife, were fortunate to be rescued by the tug Inez. The tug, which had ventured out into the stormy lake in a daring rescue mission, safely transported the survivors to Port Colborne.
The ill-fated Honora Carr had a history of misfortune even before its final voyage. In 1883, it had been driven ashore near Buffalo and subsequently abandoned. However, the ship was later recovered and rebuilt in 1885 by Michael Carr of Buffalo. It was during this time that the vessel underwent a name change, from Maple Leaf to Honora Carr, and was registered under the U.S. flag.
The sinking of the Honora Carr left a lasting impact on the maritime community and those involved. The vessel’s loss was widely reported in newspapers, highlighting the risks faced by sailors and the challenges of navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. Despite attempts to secure insurance for the ship, local underwriters refused, leaving the vessel vulnerable to the perils of the lake.
The Honora Carr, formerly known as the Maple Leaf, met a tragic end on September 4, 1886, when it foundered in Lake Erie during a violent storm. The sinking claimed the life of one crew member and left behind a story of resilience and the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes. The Honora Carr serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by sailors and the enduring power of the waters they navigate.
