Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description The Ida Walker was a schooner, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes for transporting bulk cargo. Schooners like the Ida Walker typically featured two or more masts with fore-and-aft rigged sails, which provided good maneuverability and speed. This design was well-suited for the varying winds and weather conditions of the Great Lakes, making schooners a popular choice for transporting goods such as barley, coal, and other bulk materials.
History Originally launched as the New Dominion in 1867, the schooner was one of several vessels built that year. The ship was constructed in Sophiasburg, Ontario, by Taylor & Delaney, and it was initially registered in Whitby, Ontario. In 1880, the vessel underwent a significant overhaul and was renamed Ida Walker to avoid confusion with another vessel of the same name. The overhaul took place in Sarnia, Ontario, where the ship was rebuilt, likely updating and reinforcing its structure to extend its service life.
Throughout its operational life, the Ida Walker was involved in several maritime incidents. In October 1885, the vessel suffered a partial loss when it sank in Ameliasburg, Lake Ontario, while carrying a cargo of barley. This event necessitated significant repairs and may have contributed to its eventual demise.
The Ida Walker met its tragic end on November 19, 1886, during a severe gale while attempting to anchor under Presqu’ile Point. The ship’s anchors dragged, and it was blown into Weller’s Bay, where it ran aground outside the Gravel Bar. The heavy seas battered the ship, causing severe damage. The crew took refuge on the cabin top, clinging to the main boom gaff as they endured nearly two days of freezing temperatures, snow squalls, and relentless waves.
Rescue efforts were eventually successful, thanks to the Wellington Life Saving Crew, who launched their lifeboat into the choppy waters. Under the command of Captain Hugh McCullough, the crew made several attempts to rescue the stranded sailors, ultimately succeeding just as the masts collapsed and the cabin top was torn away by the waves. All the crew members were saved, but the Ida Walker was lost to the lake.
Final Disposition The Ida Walker was lost on November 19, 1886, when it ran aground in Weller’s Bay during a severe storm. The vessel sustained significant damage from the heavy seas, leading to its destruction. The shipwreck’s location, near Weller’s Bay, is significant as it highlights the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes during inclement weather.
NOTMARs & Advisories There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically concerning the Ida Walkerwreck site. However, the site is historically significant and may be of interest to maritime historians and divers.
Located By & Date The wreck of the Ida Walker has been known to local residents and maritime historians, with artifacts from the ship, such as the pump cast in 1860 and the centerboard winch, being collected by Scott Hutcheson of Prince Edward County. The ship’s final resting place is believed to be near Weller’s Bay, where it ran aground and was destroyed by the storm.
Current Condition & Accessibility The wreck of the Ida Walker is presumed to be scattered across the lakebed near Weller’s Bay. Artifacts from the wreck, including iron relics, have been recovered over the years, indicating that some parts of the ship may still be accessible to divers and researchers. The site’s condition is likely poor, given the time elapsed and the severe damage sustained during the wreck, but it remains a point of interest for those studying Great Lakes shipwrecks.
Resources & Links
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, potentially including the Ida Walker.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical data on Great Lakes vessels.
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including the Ida Walker.
Keywords Ida Walker, New Dominion, Weller’s Bay, Presqu’ile Point, shipwreck, Lake Ontario, schooner, maritime history, Great Lakes
Analysis The Ida Walker represents a vivid chapter in the maritime history of Lake Ontario, embodying both the perils and the resilience of Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century. Originally launched as the New Dominion, the vessel served for nearly two decades before its ill-fated end in Weller’s Bay. The ship’s repeated incidents, culminating in its final wreck during a fierce gale, underscore the treacherous conditions often faced by sailors on the Great Lakes. The rescue of the crew by the Wellington Life Saving Crew highlights the bravery and determination of those who risked their lives to save others during these maritime disasters. The loss of the Ida Walker and similar incidents contributed to the growing calls for improved life-saving services along the Canadian shore, ultimately leading to the establishment of better-equipped and staffed life-saving stations. The artifacts recovered from the wreck continue to tell the story of the vessel’s tragic end and serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated these inland seas.
