The Tragic Fate of the Schooner Jacques Cartier #
The Jacques Cartier, a wooden schooner, once sailed the waters of Lake Ontario in the mid-19th century. Unfortunately, on November 8, 1853, this vessel met its untimely demise in a fierce storm near Colborne, Ontario. Owned by Gooderham & Worts of Toronto, the Jacques Cartier was carrying a valuable cargo of 1,900 barrels of flour at the time of the incident. In this article, we delve into the details surrounding the ship’s loss and the unfortunate fate of its cargo.
While information about the exact specifications and build of the Jacques Cartier is not available, it is known that the vessel was a wooden schooner with two masts. Owned by Gooderham & Worts, a prominent company in Toronto, the Jacques Cartier played a crucial role in transporting goods on Lake Ontario.
On November 8, 1853, a violent storm struck the region near Colborne, Ontario, putting the Jacques Cartier and its crew in peril. The schooner went ashore and subsequently sank, succumbing to the powerful forces of nature. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among the crew, and they managed to save themselves from the wreck.
The Jacques Cartier’s cargo, consisting of 1,900 barrels of flour, was deemed a total loss. The valuable shipment was intended for delivery but met its unfortunate fate at the bottom of Lake Ontario. Although the crew survived, the loss of the cargo dealt a significant blow to the ship’s owners, Gooderham & Worts. It is worth noting that the cargo was insured, providing some financial relief to the owners.
Various news reports from the time recount the details of the Jacques Cartier’s wreck. The incident was documented in the Buffalo Express, Toronto Globe, Buffalo Daily Republic, and other publications. Some reports also mention the recovery of barrels of flour along the beach, suggesting the extent of the cargo’s dispersal after the shipwreck. While the exact cause of the vessel’s demise remains unknown, it is widely believed to be a result of the severe storm conditions that battered the area.
The tragic loss of the schooner Jacques Cartier serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by sailors and the unpredictable nature of Lake Ontario. The vessel’s sinking near Colborne, Ontario, in 1853, resulted in the loss of a valuable cargo of flour and dealt a blow to the owners, Gooderham & Worts. The story of the Jacques Cartier is etched in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by those who traversed its waters in the 19th century.
