Construction and Early Service
The schooner Honora Carr, originally named Maple Leaf, was constructed in 1867 by the shipbuilding firm Redmond & Tait in Picton, Ontario. With dimensions of 91.7 feet in length, 21.6 feet in width, and a depth of 7.7 feet, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 135 tons. Designed as a wooden two-masted schooner, the Maple Leaf began its maritime career under the ownership of Curry, Striker & Wellbanks. The vessel played a significant role in the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes, carrying various cargoes across these inland seas.
Over the years, the ownership of the Maple Leaf changed hands several times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the maritime industry during this period. The ship’s resilience was tested on multiple occasions, and it continued to serve the Great Lakes until its fateful transformation into the Honora Carr.
Transformation and Rebuilding
In 1883, the Maple Leaf encountered a significant setback when it was driven ashore near Buffalo, New York. The vessel was abandoned, and its future seemed uncertain. However, in 1885, the ship was recovered and underwent a substantial rebuilding effort by Michael Carr of Buffalo. During this time, the schooner was renamed Honora Carr and registered under the U.S. flag. The rebuilt vessel resumed its service, continuing to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes.
Final Voyage and Sinking
The Honora Carr embarked on what would be its final voyage on September 4, 1886. Departing from Buffalo, New York, the schooner was loaded with 200 tons of coal, destined for Port Huron, Michigan. However, as the ship sailed into Lake Erie, a violent storm began to brew, setting the stage for disaster.
Around midnight, the Honora Carr began to leak, prompting the crew to turn back towards Buffalo in search of shelter. Despite their efforts, the situation worsened, and the vessel foundered in 60 feet of water, approximately two miles southwest of Point Abino and 14 miles from Buffalo. The storm’s intensity proved too much for the wooden schooner to withstand.
Tragically, the sinking claimed the life of one crew member, Thomas Scott, a sailor from Buffalo. Scott was pulled under by the suction of the sinking ship and drowned. The remaining crew members, including Captain Edward Carr, James McGerry, William Keith, and Scott’s wife, were fortunate to be rescued by the tug Inez. The Inez had braved the storm to perform the daring rescue, ultimately saving the survivors and bringing them safely to Port Colborne.
Legacy and Impact
The sinking of the Honora Carr left a profound impact on the maritime community and those connected to the vessel. The loss of the ship was widely reported in newspapers, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. The Honora Carr’s story highlights the challenges of navigating these waters, where sudden storms and treacherous conditions could quickly turn a routine voyage into a fight for survival.
Despite attempts to secure insurance for the Honora Carr, local underwriters refused, leaving the vessel vulnerable to the risks of the lake. The schooner’s tragic end is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes and the resilience of the sailors who ventured upon them.
Resources & Links
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Naval Marine Archive
- History of the Great Lakes
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships Database
Keywords
Honora Carr, Maple Leaf, schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Point Abino, Picton Ontario, Buffalo New York, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, shipwreck remembrance.
Ongoing Research & Monitoring
Further research into the Honora Carr may reveal additional details about its construction, service history, and the specific circumstances of its final voyage. Continuous monitoring of maritime history archives and shipwreck databases will ensure that any new information about the Honora Carr is integrated into its historical narrative.
