IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
|
DETAILED HISTORY OF THE SCHOONER LAURA #
The schooner Laura, built in 1873 in Walkerville, Ontario, was a sturdy three-masted vessel that served the shipping lanes of Lake Ontario for two decades. With its wooden hull and scow schooner design, the Laura was a typical cargo vessel of its time, designed to transport bulk goods such as coal across the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Construction and Early Service #
The Laura was constructed in Walkerville, Ontario, a prominent shipbuilding center in the late 19th century. With a length of 140 feet, a beam of 23 feet, and a depth of 12 feet, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 348 tons. It was registered under the official number 17234, marking it as an important asset in the maritime trade of the region.
Designed as a scow schooner, the Laura’s wide, flat-bottomed design allowed it to carry heavy cargoes with relative stability, even in shallow waters. Over the years, the Laura became a familiar sight on Lake Ontario, transporting various goods between ports in the United States and Canada.
The Final Voyage #
On August 13, 1893, the Laura set out on what would become its final voyage. Under the command of Captain Markeson, the schooner was carrying a cargo of coal from Oswego, New York, to Toronto, Ontario. This journey, however, would end in tragedy.
As the Laura made its way across Lake Ontario, a powerful northeast gale swept across the lake, turning the waters into a maelstrom of towering waves and howling winds. The schooner, despite its robust construction, was no match for the fury of the storm.
Approximately 15 to 25 miles off the coast of Charlotte, New York, the Laura began to founder. The crew, realizing the dire situation, quickly launched the ship’s yawl, a small boat kept aboard for emergencies. The nine crew members managed to escape the sinking vessel just in time, rowing away from the doomed schooner as it was swallowed by the lake.
Sinking and Aftermath #
The Laura sank into 600 feet of water, taking with it the entire cargo of coal. Fortunately, there were no fatalities among the crew, a rare piece of good fortune in an otherwise devastating event. The loss of the schooner was a significant blow to its owners, J. & T. Mathews of Toronto, who had relied on the vessel for transporting goods across Lake Ontario.
The sinking of the Laura serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often deadly nature of the Great Lakes. Despite advancements in shipbuilding and navigation, the lakes’ powerful storms continued to claim vessels well into the 20th century.
Legacy of the Laura #
The Laura’s story is a reflection of the risks and challenges faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. The vessel’s loss, while tragic, is part of the broader narrative of maritime history in the region—a history marked by both the triumphs and the tragedies of those who braved these inland seas.
The exact location of the wreck remains a mystery, lying at the bottom of Lake Ontario, 600 feet below the surface. The Laura’s sinking is a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of the sailors who, despite the dangers, continued to navigate the Great Lakes.
Sources #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: For general information on shipwrecks and vessels that operated on the Great Lakes.
- Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database: Provides historical data on vessels like the Laura, including construction details and ownership records.
- Great Lakes Ships Website: A resource offering detailed records and narratives related to the history of ships that sailed the Great Lakes.
