The schooner CAROLINE MARSH, which had been in service since 1852, met a tragic end near Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York. On November 3, 1890, the vessel ran aground and became stranded. The crew members were in danger due to the shipwreck, but they were fortunately rescued by the Oswego Life-savers.
However, despite the rescue efforts, the CAROLINE MARSH was unable to withstand the pounding of the waves and the harsh conditions. The vessel started to break apart, and it eventually went to pieces. The incident marked the end of the schooner’s service, which had spanned several decades.
The CAROLINE MARSH was a coal-laden vessel bound for Toronto. It had attempted to return to the harbor after experiencing a clearing, but it was unable to make it back safely. The assistance of the tug CUMMINGS was sought, but a series of unfortunate events, including the parting of a towline, led to the vessel drifting onto the rocks near the life-saving station. The crew was rescued, but the ship itself was lost.
The CAROLINE MARSH had a long history, having been built in 1852 in Port Hope, Ontario. It measured 102.0 feet in length, 23.5 feet in width, and 10.4 feet in depth, with a tonnage of 221 tons register. At the time of the incident, the vessel was owned by E.S. Vinden of Port Hope, Ontario.
The loss of the CAROLINE MARSH serves as a reminder of the challenging and perilous conditions that vessels and their crews faced while navigating the Great Lakes, especially during adverse weather and unforeseen circumstances.
