JANET

Located approximately a mile upstream from Clayton, New York, rests the wreckage of the sailing vessel JANET, dating back to 1851. This tragic incident marks the most significant loss of life in Wolfe Island’s history along the St. Lawrence River. Here unfolds the tale of JANET.

In 1851, Mr. D. B. Jenkins, a sailmaker from Kingston, extended invitations to Kingston’s upper echelon for a voyage aboard his newly constructed racing yacht bound for Clayton, New York. Crafted by Captain Simon G. Johnston, as chronicled in ‘A Souvenir of the 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River,’ JANET boasted a 40-foot keel, 12-foot beam, and carried approximately 7 tons of ballast.

Departing Kingston with 35 passengers, they paused at Wolfe Island’s edge for a shore dinner before setting sail for Clayton. However, tragedy struck when a sudden white squall engulfed the yacht in the American channel, capsizing her. Despite efforts to stabilize the vessel, miscommunication led to the mainsail being released instead of the jib sheet, exacerbating JANET’s tilt. Compounded by a missing valve in the water-tight cockpit, the yacht slowly succumbed, sinking in 40 feet of water, claiming the lives of 19 individuals from Kingston, primarily women.

Rescue efforts were initiated by the American steamer NIAGARA, which recovered bodies and rescued survivors, including Captain Gaskin. British assistance arrived promptly, with the steamship PRINCE OF WALES aiding in recovery operations, ultimately laying the victims to rest.

Seven individuals clung to a portion of the mast above water, while nine swam to shore. Prompt rescue by vessels from Wolfe Island spared those still adrift.

During the subsequent Coroner’s Inquest, testimonies highlighted concerns regarding JANET’s structural integrity and passenger capacity, leading to a verdict denouncing yachts of similar design for pleasure excursions.

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