IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The John Bentley was a wooden three-masted schooner built for the purpose of trading goods, primarily between Toronto and Oswego. Schooners like the John Bentley were common on the Great Lakes, known for their versatility in carrying a variety of cargoes, including lumber, which was the ship’s final load.
HISTORY: The schooner John Bentley had a storied and tumultuous history on the Great Lakes. Launched in April 1873, the vessel was intended to trade between Toronto and Oswego. However, it quickly became apparent that the ship would face several challenges throughout its career.
In May 1880, the John Bentley collided with another schooner, the Maize, off the coast of Rochester, New York. The exact details of the damage incurred during this incident remain unclear, but the schooner continued to sail the Great Lakes.
One of the most notable incidents involving the John Bentley occurred in September 1885. The schooner encountered a severe storm near Sand Beach, Lake Huron, becoming waterlogged and in dire need of rescue. The United States Life-Saving Service (USLS) intervened, successfully saving the vessel and its crew. Despite the successful rescue, the loss of property was estimated at $1,500.
FINAL DISPOSITION: The John Bentley’s luck finally ran out on October 15, 1886. While navigating off Cabbage Head in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, the schooner was struck by a violent squall during a storm. The crew made every effort to save the vessel, but the schooner was ultimately driven ashore, becoming a total loss. At the time of the sinking, the John Bentley was carrying a load of lumber. The ship’s owner, William Hall, attempted to salvage the vessel by bringing in a tugboat and lighter, but his efforts were in vain. Notably, there was no insurance coverage for either the vessel or its cargo, both valued at $10,000.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the John Bentley.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The exact wreck location has not been documented in detail, but it is known to have occurred off Cabbage Head, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- United States Life-Saving Service (USLS)
KEYWORDS: John Bentley, schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, storm, William Hall, United States Life-Saving Service.
CONCLUSION: The John Bentley’s history is emblematic of the perilous nature of life on the Great Lakes. Despite surviving numerous incidents, including collisions and near-sinkings, the schooner ultimately succumbed to the unforgiving conditions of Georgian Bay. The vessel’s loss, along with its uninsured cargo, serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who navigated these waters. The John Bentley’s legacy is preserved through the efforts of historical records and those who remember the challenges faced by the sailors of that era.
