1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The M.L. CANFIELD, originally known as the MARY LYDIA, was a three-masted wooden schooner that sailed the Great Lakes. Like many schooners of its time, it was designed for the transport of bulk goods across the vast inland seas. With a tonnage sufficient to carry 365 tons of coal, the vessel was a significant player in the maritime trade routes of the 19th century. The schooner’s design featured the traditional rigging of the period, optimized for both cargo capacity and maneuverability in the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
3. HISTORY #
The schooner began its life as the MARY LYDIA, before being reconstructed and renamed M.L. CANFIELD. Over its operational life, it faced the typical challenges of maritime vessels of the era—harsh weather, heavy cargo, and the constant threat of disaster. On its final voyage in 1881, the M.L. CANFIELD set out from Cleveland bound for Amherstburg, laden with coal. The journey was plagued by severe weather, culminating in a fierce storm as the vessel approached Bar Point. Captain William R. Spence made the decision to anchor and wait for better conditions, a choice that would ultimately prove fatal as the ship succumbed to the storm later that night.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
On that fateful night, the storm intensified, and the M.L. CANFIELD was overwhelmed by the elements. A massive wave swept over the deck, flooding the schooner and forcing Captain Spence and his crew of six to abandon ship. They escaped in a small yawl, enduring eight hours of harrowing conditions before finally reaching safety in Amherstburg. The schooner, however, was lost to the lake, coming to rest in 16 feet of water off Bar Point. The wreckage was later dredged and removed by the Canadian government, leaving no trace of the once-proud vessel.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are related to the wreck of the M.L. CANFIELD, as the site was cleared in 1882 by dredging operations.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The M.L. CANFIELD was located shortly after its sinking in 1881, resting in 16 feet of water off Bar Point. The wreck was subsequently removed by the Canadian government by mid-July 1882 due to the hazard it posed to navigation.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreckage of the M.L. CANFIELD was fully removed in 1882, so no remains are accessible for diving or exploration today. The site, once a grave for the schooner, has since been cleared and no longer holds any physical remnants of the vessel.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The M.L. CANFIELD’s story highlights the dangers faced by Great Lakes sailors in the 19th century, where unpredictable weather and the inherent risks of maritime life often led to tragic outcomes. The decision to anchor during a storm, though made with the best intentions, proved disastrous. This narrative underscores the fragile balance between human decision-making and the raw power of nature.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
As the wreck of the M.L. CANFIELD was fully removed in 1882, there are no diving opportunities at the original site. Should divers explore the general area near Bar Point, they should be aware that the schooner’s remains no longer exist, and the site has been cleared of any potential hazards.
TAGS #
- Lake Erie
- 19th Century
- Schooner
- Bar Point
- Maritime History
CONCLUSION #
The tragic tale of the M.L. CANFIELD, once the MARY LYDIA, serves as a sobering reminder of the perilous nature of life on the Great Lakes. The schooner’s loss during a violent storm, and the subsequent survival of its crew, captures both the fragility and resilience of those who navigated these treacherous waters. Though the M.L. CANFIELD was ultimately lost and its remains cleared, its story endures as part of the rich maritime history of Lake Erie, offering lessons in both caution and courage for future generations.
