On Friday morning at half past three o’clock, the schooner Three Friends, which had departed from Oswego carrying a load of coal, sank in Lake Ontario near Duffin’s Creek. Fortunately, the entire crew was saved and landed on the beach southeast of the area in a yawl at four o’clock in the morning. They were exhausted and numb from the cold, unable to stand. One woman on board managed to escape wearing only her night clothes.
According to Captain Malone’s statement, the schooner left Oswego in the afternoon, facing a southerly wind of about three miles per hour. As they sailed west, the wind shifted to the east, preventing the vessel from heading in the desired direction. They adjusted the sails accordingly but encountered difficulties. The weather worsened, with heavy seas and a northeast wind. Despite their efforts to bring the vessel to a safe position, it continued to list and settle.
Realizing the dire situation, Captain Malone prepared the boat for launching and went to the cabin to get his wife. He carried her to the boat, and the crew members joined them. As they were getting clear of the sinking vessel, the mainmast and topmast collapsed, posing a significant risk to the boat. After struggling to free the boat from the debris, they found themselves in an open boat with only one oar to navigate through the heavy seas and strong winds.
For over thirty hours, they battled the elements, with the mate, Joseph Lennox, bravely steering the boat while the captain cared for his wife. Three crew members gave up in despair during Friday night, but the mate persuaded them to assist in steering the boat. Finally, around 5 o’clock on Saturday morning, the boat drifted ashore at Sparks Point, approximately six miles west of Whitby. The crew, severely weakened by their perilous journey, received assistance from Mr. Thomas Field, who helped them recover, except for Mrs. Malone and one crew member who required further attention.
The schooner Three Friends, owned by Mrs. Malone of Oswego, was insured for $5,500 and classified as B I. Built in Port Dover in 1864, the vessel was well-known for its trade on Lake Ontario. The cargo of coal, consigned to James Myles of Toronto, was shipped by E. M. Fort of Oswego. However, Myles stated that he had no knowledge of the coal being shipped and did not bear any risk for the cargo.
Captain Malone’s account of the events corroborated the mate’s statement. The vessel encountered difficulties with the changing winds and the inability to head in the desired direction. Despite their efforts to maintain control, the ship continued to list and settle. The captain and crew had to abandon the sinking vessel, with the mate steering the boat using the single oar. After a treacherous journey, they finally reached land at Sparks Point, where they received assistance and medical care. Captain Malone expressed his gratitude for the kindness shown by Mr. Thomas Field and Mr. Fossett during their ordeal.
