Stormy End on Lake Huron #
The story of the schooner CAVALIER is one marked by the perils of the Great Lakes and the untamed forces of nature. Built in 1867 as a bark in Quebec City, the CAVALIER later served as a schooner on Lake Huron. On August 31, 1906, tragedy struck as the vessel encountered a violent storm off Chantry Island. This article delves into the details surrounding the CAVALIER’s loss, recounting the events leading to its sinking, the rescue of its crew, and its eventual fate.
Originally constructed as a bark, the CAVALIER was a three-masted wooden schooner with dimensions of 134 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 12 feet in depth. Registered at 268 gross tons, it carried cedar lumber and sailed under the ownership of Mrs. Annie Glass from Sarnia, Ontario.
On August 31, 1906, while en route from Tobermory to Sarnia, the CAVALIER encountered treacherous weather conditions on Lake Huron. Striking a reef off Chantry Island while attempting to reach the harbor, the vessel filled with water and eventually sank. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.
The crew of the CAVALIER, under the command of Captain Joseph Glass, clung to the wreck throughout the night. With daylight, they were finally rescued by Captain Lambert, the lightkeeper on Chantry Island. Their rescue marked a fortunate turn in the face of the calamity.
Despite the crew’s rescue, the CAVALIER met a tragic fate. The pounding waves caused significant damage, and the vessel was deemed a total loss. It quickly began to break apart, succumbing to the power of the storm and the relentless forces of Lake Huron. Only with favorable weather conditions could a portion of the cargo be salvaged.
Various historical records provide insights into the CAVALIER’s history. Built in 1867 in Quebec City, the vessel was initially a bark before being converted into a schooner. Over the years, it underwent changes in ownership and served different ports, with Mrs. Annie Glass being the owner at the time of its loss in 1906.
The tragic sinking of the schooner CAVALIER serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s encounter with a fierce storm off Chantry Island on Lake Huron led to its demise and the loss of valuable cargo. However, the successful rescue of the crew demonstrates the bravery and dedication of those who risked their lives to save others in times of peril. The story of the CAVALIER stands as a testament to the unforgiving power of nature and the resilience of those who navigate its unpredictable waters.
