The Mysterious Tale of the Bavaria: A Schooner Lost at Sea #
Lake schooner days have witnessed their fair share of intriguing mysteries, and the story of the Bavaria is no exception. Built in 1873 by H. Rooney on Garden Island, Ontario, the Bavaria was a schooner-barge primarily engaged in transporting squared lumber. Over the years, it faced numerous challenges and encounters with nature’s fury, eventually meeting its tragic fate in 1898. This article delves into the history and mysterious disappearance of the Bavaria, recounting the events that unfolded during its final voyage on the stormy waters of Lake Huron.
The Construction and Early Years: #
The Bavaria, officially numbered C72595, was a wooden three-masted schooner-barge measuring 145 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and 13 feet in depth. With a gross tonnage of 376 and net tonnage of 361, it was a sturdy vessel that initially served as a timber drogher. Owned by Dexter Delano Calvin of Garden Island, Ontario, the Bavaria was an integral part of the bustling maritime industry of the region.
Encounter with a Storm: #
On October 19, 1898, tragedy struck when the Bavaria fell victim to a powerful storm just one mile south of Cape Smith, Manitoulin Island, in Lake Huron. Bound from Byng Inlet to Walkerville, Ontario, carrying a load of squared lumber, the schooner-barge was battered by ferocious winds and merciless waves. Ultimately, the Bavaria was driven ashore and pounded into pieces, with no chance of recovery.
The Fate of the Crew: #
While the vessel was lost, the crew of the Bavaria, under the command of Captain M. Mahoney, managed to escape unharmed, thanks to the heroic efforts of local Indigenous people. The quick actions of these individuals ensured that no lives were lost during the unfortunate incident. It is worth noting that the Bavaria had a history of survival against the odds, having been previously abandoned near Goderich, Ontario, in 1891 but recovered the following year.
The Unsolved Mystery: #
However, the most intriguing aspect of the Bavaria’s story lies in a previous incident that occurred on May 29, 1889. During a severe gale, the schooner-barge broke free from the tow of the steamer D.D. Calvin and began to founder near Long Point, Lake Ontario. The crew, consisting of eight individuals, abandoned ship but tragically did not make it to shore. The wreck of the Bavaria washed ashore on Long Point, relatively undamaged. The disappearance of the crew remains a mystery to this day.
Speculations and Questions: #
Various theories surround the fate of the crew of the Bavaria during their ill-fated attempt to reach safety. Some believe that they may have succumbed to the treacherous conditions at sea, while others speculate that they could have been lost while trying to rescue their shipmates or reach one of the nearby vessels. The circumstances surrounding their disappearance raise questions about the decision to leave the seemingly intact Bavaria and the challenges they faced during their ill-fated journey.
Conclusion: #
The story of the Bavaria is a reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of life at sea. The mysterious disappearance of the crew, coupled with the vessel’s resilient yet tragic history, adds an air of intrigue to this tale. As the Bavaria lies at rest beneath the waters of Lake Huron, its story serves as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who navigated the Great Lakes and highlights the enduring mysteries that continue to capture our imagination.
