Title: The Tragic Fate of the Ainsworth: Lost in a Terrifying Gale
Subtitle: Two Vessels Fall Victim to a Devastating Storm on Lake Ontario
On November 20, 1846, Lake Ontario was rocked by a formidable gale that wreaked havoc on the waters and claimed the lives of two vessels. The wind, starting from the northwest, intensified rapidly, creating treacherous conditions and sending waves crashing against the shores. Within the harbor of Oswego, New York, tragedy unfolded as the Ainsworth, a schooner hailing from Cleveland, and the Canadian schooner Grampus both broke free from their moorings near the west pier, hurtling toward the rocks at the foot of Fort Ontario.
The Ainsworth, built in 1835 at Cape Vincent, New York, was a wooden schooner weighing 110 tons. Just the day before the storm, it had been cleared with a cargo of salt destined for Cleveland. However, the violent gale dismasted the vessel and tossed it onto its beam ends, transforming it into a total wreck. Helplessly stranded, the Ainsworth lay battered against the rocks, its journey abruptly halted.
In addition to the Ainsworth, the Canadian schooner Grampus suffered a similar fate. Having recently undergone repairs and refurbishments after losing two masts and sustaining damage in a previous October storm, it was prepared to depart with a heavy cargo of oak timber. However, the relentless force of the gale proved insurmountable for the Grampus. The vessel broke amidships, succumbing to the elements and likely becoming a complete loss. The Grampus, a sizable and valuable vessel from Hamilton, Ontario, fell victim to the unforgiving power of the storm.
Despite the catastrophic events, there were no reported casualties among the crews of both vessels. In the morning following the storm, the Revenue Cutter Service swiftly came to their rescue, using the yawl from their cutter to save the stranded sailors from their dire predicament.
The Ainsworth, with its rich history and years of service, met its tragic end on that fateful day. Blown from its moorings at the West Pier in Oswego, it was dismasted and thrown onto the rocks near Fort Ontario. The vessel remained a stark reminder of the destructive forces that can assail even the hardiest of ships.
News of the Ainsworth’s demise spread beyond the local area, reaching the shores of Kingston, Ontario. The Argus, a local newspaper, reported the loss, bringing attention to the terrifying storm that had claimed multiple vessels and disrupted the tranquility of Lake Ontario.
The Ainsworth’s ill-fated journey stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes and the risks faced by those who ventured upon their waters. Its tragic end serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of sailors who navigated these treacherous seas, facing the elements with courage and determination.
