IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The M. Ballard, also known as the Mary Ballard, was a wooden schooner built in 1855. As a two-masted schooner, it was primarily used for transporting bulk cargo, such as grain, across the Great Lakes. This type of vessel was common in the mid-19th century and was favored for its capacity to handle large loads while navigating the sometimes treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes. The M. Ballard had undergone significant repairs in 1864, just two years before its tragic sinking.
HISTORY #
The M. Ballard was constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, by the shipbuilders Stevens & Presley and was launched in 1855. The schooner played a significant role in the Great Lakes maritime trade, transporting goods such as wheat between major ports. Owned by Captain Hugh Coyne of Cleveland, the vessel was known for its robust construction and reliability, despite the harsh conditions often faced on Lake Ontario.
On November 30, 1866, while carrying a cargo of wheat, the M. Ballard encountered a severe storm off Galloo Island in Lake Ontario. The vessel wrecked on Galloo Island Reef and eventually sank. Reports from the time indicate that the ship was a total loss, and tragically, all crew members aboard—estimated to be between 9 and 11 individuals—perished in the disaster. Among those lost was Captain John Coyne, brother of the owner, who was commanding the ship at the time.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The M. Ballard sank in Lake Ontario after striking a shoal near Galloo Island during a violent storm. The schooner was driven onto the reef by strong winds and rough seas, making it impossible to rescue the crew. The ship eventually broke apart and disappeared beneath the waves by 1 p.m. on the day of the sinking. The bodies of some crew members were seen floating on the wreckage, but only three were recovered and brought to Oswego by another schooner, the E.B. Gannett. The remaining bodies, including that of Captain John Coyne, were never found despite search efforts.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the M. Ballard. However, the site is recognized as a significant historical shipwreck, and mariners should be cautious when navigating near Galloo Island.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the M. Ballard has not been extensively documented in modern times, and the exact location remains somewhat speculative based on historical accounts. The site is believed to be approximately 1¼ miles northwest of the Galloo Island Lighthouse, near the reef where it struck and sank.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
