ARDELIA

2 min read

The schooner ARDELIA, built in 1835, met a tragic fate during its existence. Constructed in Oakville, Ontario, this two-masted wooden vessel had a tonnage of 72 and operated with a single deck. Initially, it was involved in the barrelled fish trade, traveling between Saugeen and Toronto. However, on April 15, 1854, disaster struck when the schooner capsized and sank in Lake Ontario, approximately 20 miles off Oswego, New York.

The exact cause of the sinking remains uncertain, but it is speculated that a possible hull failure may have contributed to the vessel’s demise. The Ardelia was carrying a cargo of peas at the time of the incident. Tragically, six lives were lost in the disaster. The crew of another ship, the Daniel Williams, witnessed the Ardelia sinking.

One of the bodies recovered near Pultneyville, west of Oswego, was identified as the son of Michael Butler, the owner of the ill-fated schooner. The Ardelia’s crew members, including Captain Chris Boylan, William Carlisle, Robert McMullen, Richard Dillon, William Hilton, and Thomas Butler, all perished in the tragedy. The vessel and its cargo were uninsured, resulting in an estimated loss of $4,000.

The circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Ardelia raised questions and prompted calls for a thorough investigation. The body of Thomas Butler, found near a section of the cabin, suggested that he had clung to it while in the water. The crew of the Daniel Williams, who witnessed the sinking, reportedly made efforts to save the individuals on board. However, they were unsuccessful in rescuing anyone or salvaging any items from the wreckage.

The loss of the Ardelia and its entire crew remains a somber chapter in the history of Lake Ontario. The incident left a grieving community and a lingering sense of mystery surrounding the events leading to the tragic catastrophe.