The Fateful Journey of the Schooner CECELIA on Lake Superior
The schooner CECELIA, originally a barkentine, met a tragic fate during a storm on Lake Superior in 1883. Built in 1865 in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, the CECELIA served as a vessel for transporting various cargoes on the Great Lakes. This article explores the details surrounding the construction of the CECELIA, its encounters with mishaps and collisions, and its ultimate demise during the ill-fated storm on Lake Superior.
The CECELIA, originally constructed as a barkentine in 1865, was later converted into a three-masted wooden schooner. Measuring approximately 136 feet in length, 24 feet in width, and 11 feet in depth, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 351 tons and a net tonnage of 341 tons. Throughout its career, the CECELIA transported a variety of cargoes, primarily operating on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
The CECELIA experienced several unfortunate incidents throughout its years of service. In 1873, the vessel collided with the schooner ORIENTAL near Point Pelee, Lake Erie, resulting in its sinking. However, the CECELIA was successfully raised by the Coast Wrecking Company and taken to Detroit for repairs. This incident demonstrates the challenges and risks faced by vessels navigating busy waterways.
On November 2, 1883, while en route from Waiska Bay, Michigan, to Port Arthur, Ontario, the CECELIA encountered a severe storm on Lake Superior. The vessel was disabled by powerful storm waves, leaving it in a sinking condition. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the crew made the difficult decision to abandon ship, escaping to Port Arthur in the vessel’s yawl boat. The CECELIA was left abandoned, 20 miles offshore, as it succumbed to the relentless storm.
Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among the crew members during the abandonment of the CECELIA. The vessel was carrying a cargo of wood at the time of its abandonment, which was likely lost along with the ship. The financial loss incurred by the abandonment and destruction of the CECELIA highlights the significant risks faced by shipowners and operators during treacherous weather conditions.
The schooner CECELIA, originally a barkentine, had a tumultuous career on the Great Lakes. From collisions to grounding incidents, the vessel encountered several mishaps before meeting its tragic end during a storm on Lake Superior. The CECELIA’s abandonment and subsequent sinking serve as reminders of the perils faced by mariners and the unforgiving nature of the Great Lakes. Despite the loss of the vessel, the fact that no lives were lost during the abandonment is a testament to the crew’s resourcefulness and resilience in the face of adversity.
