The Loss of the LYDIA ANN: A Tragic Tale of Maritime Misfortune
In the winter of 1867, the schooner LYDIA ANN, under the command of Captain A.M. Rogers, eagerly prepared for a new season of maritime adventures. As spring arrived, the LYDIA ANN emerged from her winter quarters at Charlotte, New York, becoming the first vessel to set sail on Lake Ontario that year. Little did they know that fate had something else in store for them.
On April 1st, with a cargo of 136 tons of coal destined for Mr. C.A. Payne in Ogdensburg, the LYDIA ANN set sail from Charlotte. However, as they journeyed down the lake, a fierce gale struck, putting the ship in distress. Despite their efforts to weather the storm, disaster struck on April 4th when the vessel’s mate, Thomas Vance, was tragically lost overboard. The crew’s valiant attempts to save him were in vain, and the incident left the crew and captain devastated.
Despite the unfortunate mishap, the LYDIA ANN continued her journey, enduring the hardships of a perilous season. Yet, it seemed as if misfortune clung to her, as she faced further challenges and setbacks.
Fast forward to December 17th, 1867, and the news of the LYDIA ANN’s ultimate tragedy reached Oswego. A dispatch arrived, informing Mr. Payne that the schooner had run aground at Stony Point, sealing her fate along with her valuable cargo. The LYDIA ANN and her load of coal would be forever lost beneath the unforgiving waters of Lake Ontario.
Captain Rogers shared a detailed account of the ill-fated voyage, describing the relentless gale and the desperate efforts to navigate the tumultuous seas. The ship’s mate, Thomas Vance, lost his life in the valiant pursuit of saving his father, Arthur Vance, who was also a crew member. The young Arthur took to a yawl in an attempt to rescue his father but tragically disappeared into the night, never to be seen again.
The sad news of the Vances’ fate spread across the region, eliciting grief and sympathy from the maritime community. Thomas Vance was mourned as an experienced seaman, having spent many years at sea, and his son, Arthur, was remembered for his dedication to the lake. The LYDIA ANN’s remaining crew, though lacking in seafaring experience, faced the challenges with courage, but the tragedy left an indelible mark on their lives.
The loss of the LYDIA ANN marked the end of her eventful journey through the waters of Lake Ontario. Owned by Captain Rogers, the vessel had not been insured, leaving her owner with an irreplaceable loss.
The story of the LYDIA ANN and her brave crew serves as a somber reminder of the dangers and uncertainties faced by sailors in the maritime world. Their tragic tale lives on, etched into the history of Oswego and the memories of those who heard the news of their untimely end.
