The E.G. BENEDICT: A Fateful Encounter with Lake Erie’s Stormy Waters
In the annals of maritime history, tales of ships battling treacherous waters and succumbing to the forces of nature are both captivating and tragic. One such story unfolds with the ill-fated schooner E.G. BENEDICT, whose journey to Buffalo took an unexpected turn on that fateful day in November 1891. Let us delve into the details of this wooden two-masted vessel, its crew, and the storm that led to its untimely demise.
Built by H. Rathbun & Son in Mill Point, Ontario, in 1869, the E.G. BENEDICT was a sturdy schooner with a proud history. Measuring 105 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 8 feet in depth, this wooden beauty boasted a tonnage of 155 tons. Owned and commanded by Captain Thomas Lucas of Windsor, Ontario, the vessel had its home port in Montreal, Quebec. In 1886, it came under the ownership of J.H. Walker of Walkerville, Ontario.
On that fateful day, the E.G. BENEDICT embarked on a crucial journey from Smith’s Dock to Buffalo, carrying a valuable cargo of elm bolts. Little did its crew know that the perils of Lake Erie awaited them. With hopes high and the wind at their backs, they set sail, unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.
As the E.G. BENEDICT approached the harbor entrance of Port Stanley, Ontario, disaster struck. The vessel collided with a treacherous sandbar, losing control and becoming at the mercy of the tempestuous waters. The crew’s valiant efforts were in vain as they struggled to regain control of their beloved ship.
The relentless storm unleashed its wrath upon the ill-fated vessel, pushing it toward the shore with unforgiving force. Helpless against the powerful currents and violent winds, the E.G. BENEDICT found itself grounded on a sandy bottom, with only eight feet of water separating it from the shoreline. The situation grew increasingly dire.
As news of the shipwreck reached the local community, Captain William Berry of the life-saving station, accompanied by a brave team of volunteers, sprang into action. Their mission: to save the lives of the crew members, battling against the elements to ensure their safe rescue.
With remarkable courage and skill, the life-saving team successfully rescued the crew of the E.G. BENEDICT from their perilous predicament. However, their triumph was bittersweet, as the vessel succumbed to the relentless onslaught of wind and waves, breaking apart soon after the rescue.
The E.G. BENEDICT’s ill-fated encounter with Lake Erie serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by seafarers throughout history. Its legacy stands as a testament to the perseverance and courage of sailors who navigate the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. Though the vessel may have met its tragic end, the story of the E.G. BENEDICT will forever be etched in maritime history, reminding us of the power and unforgiving nature of the sea.
