Identification & Site Information
- Name: Clara Hill
- Type: Wooden Schooner (originally a yacht)
- Official Number: 125753
- Year Built: 1879
- Builder: Fairhaven, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 45 feet (15 meters), Beam: 12 feet, Depth: 5 feet
- Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 16 tons, Net Tonnage: 15 tons
- Final Disposition: Wrecked near Big Sandy Creek Bay, Lake Ontario, on November 30, 1883
- Cause of Wreck: Struck bottom and drifted towards shore due to severe storm
- Coordinates: Off the Big Sandy Lifesaving Station, Lake Ontario (exact coordinates not documented)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 0 – 25 feet (0 – 8 meters)
Vessel Type Description #
The Clara Hill was a wooden schooner with a unique history, having been originally built as a yacht before being converted and relaunched in 1879 at Fairhaven, New York. The vessel, modest in size at 45 feet in length, was designed to navigate the often treacherous waters of Lake Ontario. With a gross tonnage of 16 tons, the Clara Hill was primarily used for carrying cargo such as coal and salt, which were essential commodities during the 19th century.
History #
The Clara Hill was under the command of Captain F. J. Rose, a seasoned mariner hailing from Fairhaven, New York. On November 30, 1883, the schooner set out on what would become its final voyage, carrying a cargo of coal and salt bound for Oswego, New York. The weather quickly turned severe as the vessel encountered a fierce storm on Lake Ontario, with thick fog, snow squalls, and heavy seas making navigation perilous.
As the storm intensified, Captain Rose made the decision to seek shelter in Big Sandy Creek Bay, near the Big Sandy Lifesaving Station. However, the Clara Hill was heavily iced, making it difficult to control. The vessel struck bottom and began to drift dangerously towards the shore. Despite the crew’s efforts, the schooner eventually ran aground, and the situation became dire as the vessel started to break apart.
Final Disposition #
The Clara Hill’s wreck occurred in the shallow waters off Big Sandy Creek Bay, with the schooner rolling over and breaking apart shortly after running aground. The United States Lifesaving Service, stationed nearby, acted swiftly to rescue Captain Rose and the other crew member on board, ensuring that no lives were lost in the incident. The vessel, however, was deemed a total loss, with an estimated value of $1,000. Unfortunately, the Clara Hill was not insured, adding to the financial blow of the wreck.
The wreck site lies in shallow waters, ranging from 0 to 25 feet in depth, near the Big Sandy Lifesaving Station. The remains of the Clara Hill are a testament to the dangers faced by those who navigated Lake Ontario, particularly during the harsh winter months when ice and storms posed significant threats to even the most experienced sailors.
Legacy and Impact #
The loss of the Clara Hill is a stark reminder of the challenges of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and hazardous conditions could lead to disaster. The incident was reported in the Marine Record on December 6, 1883, with Captain Rose detailing the severe weather conditions that contributed to the schooner’s demise. The Clara Hill’s story underscores the importance of the United States Lifesaving Service, whose timely intervention saved lives in what could have been a far more tragic event.
Resources & Links #
- Marine Record, December 6, 1883
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
- United States Lifesaving Service Records