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In the late 19th century, the Great Lakes were bustling with maritime activity, serving as a vital conduit for trade and transportation. Among the many vessels that plied these waters was the schooner UNDINE, a two-masted wooden ship known for her elegance and sturdiness. However, her storied career came to a tragic end on November 1, 1890, when she succumbed to the merciless forces of Lake Ontario.
The UNDINE was built in 1868 by D. Lavallee in Hamilton, Ontario. She was constructed with great care and attention to detail, boasting a design that combined functionality with beauty. Her dimensions were impressive for her time, measuring 108 feet (32.9 meters) in length, 23 feet (7 meters) in beam, and 12 feet (3.7 meters) in depth. The schooner had a gross tonnage of 217 tons and a net tonnage of 196 tons, capable of carrying up to 13,000 bushels of wheat.
Equipped with iron knees and wire rigging, the UNDINE was built to withstand the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. Her striking appearance was enhanced by her black hull with white lines and false ports. She featured a clipper bow and a clear run aft, showcasing her graceful lines and making her one of the most beautiful vessels of her time.
The UNDINE was originally owned by Thomas Myles of Hamilton, Ontario, as noted in the “List of Vessels on the Registry Books of the Dominion of Canada” on December 31, 1886. In 1883, she underwent significant repairs to maintain her seaworthiness and aesthetic appeal. However, in September 1890, the schooner changed hands when Captain James Johnston sold her to Captain Alex Ure for $2,000 CAD (approximately $66,000 CAD in 2024).
On November 1, 1890, the UNDINE set sail from Sodus, New York, bound for Toronto, Ontario, carrying 400 tons (362,873 kg) of coal. The voyage was uneventful until the schooner encountered a sudden and violent gale while 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) west of Charlotte, New York. The storm’s ferocity prompted Captain Ure to steer the vessel closer to the south shore in an attempt to find calmer waters.
Unfortunately, the darkness and rough conditions made navigation perilous. As the schooner approached Braddock’s Point, Captain Ure misjudged the distance from shore, and the UNDINE struck a rocky ledge. Although the ship briefly freed itself from the rocks, it quickly became apparent that she had sustained severe damage. The hull began to fill with water, and the pumps were unable to keep up with the influx.
Realizing the ship was sinking, Captain Ure and his crew of four men and a woman cook were forced to abandon the UNDINE. They took to the yawl boat, escaping just in time as the schooner slipped beneath the waves, coming to rest in 60-70 feet (18-21 meters) of water. The crew endured a perilous journey to Charlotte, reaching safety around midnight, exhausted but grateful to be alive. Tragically, crew member Michael Kelly sustained a badly sprained ankle during the escape.
The loss of the UNDINE was a significant blow to Captain Ure, who had only recently acquired the vessel. Although the coal cargo was insured for S. Crane & Co., the schooner itself was a total loss. The tragedy was widely reported in newspapers such as the *Saginaw Courier-Herald* and the *Buffalo Evening News*, emphasizing the perils faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes.
The story of the UNDINE is a poignant reminder of the dangers that awaited sailors on the Great Lakes. Despite the best efforts of her crew, the schooner succumbed to the elements, becoming another chapter in the storied maritime history of the region. Her legacy endures as a testament to the challenges and triumphs of those who sailed the Great Lakes in an era when the forces of nature often held the upper hand.
References and Links
- – Saginaw Courier-Herald November 5, 1890
- Buffalo Evening News November 4, 1890
- Daily British Whig, Kingston November 7, 1890
- List of Vessels on the Registry Books of the Dominion of Canada December 31, 1886
- Buffalo Commercial Advertiser May 11, 1868, p. 3-3
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website
- Great Lakes Ships Website
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Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library
- Collection of C. Patrick Labadie
