KATIE ECCLES C75911

Identification & Site Information #

Vessel Type Description #

The KATIE ECCLES was a two-masted wooden schooner, constructed in 1877 by William Jamieson in Mill Point (Deseronto), Ontario. The vessel had a single deck and was primarily used for transporting various cargoes, including coal. With a gross tonnage of 122, the schooner was designed to navigate the Great Lakes and support the thriving commerce of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History #

Launched in 1877, the KATIE ECCLES began its career under the ownership of D. Eccles of Amherst Island, Ontario. Serving as a cargo schooner, she was involved in the bustling trade routes of Lake Ontario, carrying coal, timber, and other goods between Canadian and American ports. In 1886, the vessel changed hands, coming under the ownership of A. Campbell of Colborne, Ontario. A significant rebuilding in 1889 helped extend her operational life, ensuring she remained seaworthy and competitive in the ever-changing maritime trade environment of the Great Lakes.

Over its 45-year career, the KATIE ECCLES faced several maritime incidents, the first occurring on May 8, 1883, when the vessel ran aground near Presque Isle in Lake Ontario. However, she was refloated and continued to serve the lake’s trade routes. Another notable incident took place on September 22, 1909, when the KATIE ECCLES ran aground near Newcastle, while carrying a load of coal. The Donnelly Wrecking Company refloated the vessel, allowing her to continue her service.

Unfortunately, the KATIE ECCLES’s long career came to a tragic end on November 28, 1922. While en route with a cargo of coal, the schooner was caught in a severe storm near Timber Island, Ontario. Despite the efforts of the tug MARY P. HALL to rescue the vessel, the storm drove the KATIE ECCLES onto the rocky shores of the island. Although smoke was seen coming from the cabin’s smokestack, indicating that the crew was safe, efforts to salvage the vessel were unsuccessful due to its precarious position and low water levels.

Final Dispostion #

The KATIE ECCLES was declared a total loss after foundering off Timber Island on November 28, 1922. While the crew survived, the schooner and its cargo of coal were lost to Lake Ontario. The wreck remains submerged and serves as a reminder of the risks schooners faced while navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

Located & by Whom (If Known) #

The wreck was located shortly after the sinking by the Donnelly Wrecking Company, which had initially attempted to assist in the salvage efforts. The wreck’s exact discovery date is not well-documented, but it remains a site of interest for maritime historians and divers.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES (if in place) #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the KATIE ECCLES wreck site. However, as with all historical wrecks, mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring near the site.

Photo Gallery – Matt Charlesworth CC 2022 #