Other Names #
- MARY LYDIA
The Tragic Tale of the M.L. Canfield #
In the annals of maritime history, tales of shipwrecks and daring rescues capture our imagination. One such story is that of the M.L. Canfield, a three-masted schooner that met a tragic fate on a stormy night in 1881. Originally known as the Mary Lydia, this vessel had a tumultuous history, culminating in its fateful encounter with the treacherous waters of Lake Erie. Join us as we delve into the captivating saga of the M.L. Canfield and the events that led to its ultimate demise.
The ill-fated journey of the M.L. Canfield began innocently enough, as it departed from Cleveland bound for Amherstburg with a cargo hold full of 365 tons of coal. However, the voyage soon turned into a battle against the elements. Heavy weather plagued the schooner throughout its journey, with the storm intensifying as it approached Bar Point. The captain, William R. Spence, made a fateful decision to anchor the vessel and wait until morning before attempting to enter the river. Little did he know that this choice would seal the ship’s fate.
As the night wore on, the storm grew in intensity. The waves relentlessly crashed against the M.L. Canfield, testing the structural integrity of the vessel. Tragically, one massive wave swept over the deck, inundating the ship from stem to stern. Realizing the dire situation, Captain Spence and the crew of five men and one woman made the difficult decision to abandon ship. They took to a small yawl, cutting loose the lashings just as the M.L. Canfield succumbed to the tempestuous sea.
The crew found themselves adrift in the open boat, battling not only the elements but also the fear of what lay ahead. For eight long hours, they braved the drenching rain and towering waves, their only solace the hope of reaching the safety of Amherstburg. Finally, at 9 o’clock in the morning, their prayers were answered as they made landfall. The crew had survived, but their beloved ship had met its watery grave.
The M.L. Canfield now lay in sixteen feet of water off Bar Point, a solemn reminder of the perils faced by seafarers. The vessel, along with its precious cargo, was uninsured, and the financial burden of the loss was expected to fall upon the shippers. In the following months, the Canadian government took action to remove the wreckage, as it had been displaced and severely damaged by shifting ice. By mid-July 1882, the once-proud schooner had been completely dredged out of existence, leaving only memories and a cautionary tale behind.
The tragic story of the M.L. Canfield serves as a testament to the unforgiving power of nature and the risks faced by those who sail the open seas. From its humble origins as the Mary Lydia to its ill-fated reconstruction as a schooner, the vessel experienced a series of misfortunes before succumbing to a violent storm. The crew’s bravery and survival against all odds are a testament to the indomitable spirit of sailors throughout history. The story of the M.L. Canfield reminds us of the inherent dangers of maritime exploration and the need for unwavering vigilance in the face of Mother Nature’s wrath.
