IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Anna M. Foster, often referred to simply as the Foster, was a wooden schooner constructed in 1875 in Port Burwell, Ontario. The vessel was designed for carrying cargo across the Great Lakes, featuring a single deck and two masts. With a gross tonnage of 77.6 tons, the Foster was a robust vessel built to withstand the challenging conditions of lake navigation. Its dimensions—82 feet in length, 20.3 feet in beam, and 8.8 feet in depth—made it a versatile vessel for freight transportation, serving a variety of routes and owners throughout its operational life.
HISTORY #
The Foster began its service on the Great Lakes as a cargo schooner, transporting goods between various ports. Built by David M. Foster in Port Burwell, Ontario, the vessel was initially owned by Robert Abbott, David Foster, and Titus, all of whom were based in Port Burwell. Over the years, the schooner changed hands several times, with owners in Goderich, Kingston, and Port Burwell, reflecting its active role in regional trade.
Throughout its operational life, the Foster encountered several challenges. In November 1884, the schooner ran aground in Colbourg, Lake Ontario, causing partial damage estimated at $1,000. Despite this setback, the Foster continued to serve its owners, transporting various cargoes across the lake.
THE COLLISION AND SINKING #
The final chapter of the Foster‘s history occurred on August 31, 1889. The schooner was en route to Kingston, Ontario, carrying a cargo of coal when it collided with the steam yacht Siesta. The collision occurred 25 miles off the coast of Charlotte, Ontario, in the waters of Lake Ontario.
The impact of the collision was devastating for the Foster. The schooner quickly began to take on water and sank in the deep waters of the lake. Fortunately, the crew of four, including a woman who served as the cook, were rescued by the Siesta. The crew managed to save only a few personal belongings and a Newfoundland dog that was on board. Remarkably, the Siesta sustained no damage in the collision, a testament to the sturdiness of steam-powered vessels compared to wooden schooners of the time.
The loss of the Foster marked the end of the vessel’s 14-year service on the Great Lakes. Despite the material loss, the survival of the crew was a fortunate outcome in what could have been a far more tragic event.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Foster was lost entirely following the collision with the Siesta on August 31, 1889. The schooner sank in deep water, 25 miles off the coast of Charlotte, Lake Ontario. The exact location of the wreck remains undetermined, and the site has not been documented or explored in modern times.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Foster. The incident serves as a historical reminder of the hazards faced by maritime vessels navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Foster has not been located or documented by modern underwater surveys, and its exact resting place remains unknown.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the Foster sank in 1889 and has not been located, it is presumed that any remains of the vessel are in a state of significant deterioration. The wooden structure of the schooner would likely have decayed over time, leaving little trace on the lakebed. The site is not accessible for diving or exploration.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
For further information on the Foster and its sinking, the following resources were referenced:
- Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory
- Canadian Sessional Papers
- C. Patrick Labadie Collection
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Newspaper Clippings
- Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley
