BLANCHE C71061

Identification & Site Information

 Vessel Type Description The Blanche was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel commonly used in the 19th century for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners were known for their agility and ability to handle the often turbulent waters of the lakes, typically featuring two or more masts with fore-and-aft rigged sails. These vessels were the backbone of Great Lakes commerce, carrying a variety of goods between ports.

The Blanche was one of two sister schooners, along with the Katie Eccles, built at Mill Point (now Deseronto) in the 1880s. These vessels were known for their “saucy sheer” and handsome appearance, making them some of the smartest-looking ships in the Great Lakes fleet.

On May 27, 1888, the Blanche set sail from Oswego, New York, bound for Brighton, Ontario, with a cargo of coal. The weather was clear, and the moon was high, offering a deceptive calm. The schooner Fleetwing, captained by Thomas Matthews, passed the Blanche on her outward journey. The two vessels exchanged hails, with Captain John Henderson of the Blanche expressing confidence in the fair wind that was propelling his ship.

However, despite the apparent calm, the barometer was dropping, signaling an impending storm. Shortly after the vessels parted ways, a sudden and violent squall struck Lake Ontario. The Fleetwing, already preparing for rough weather, managed to survive the storm. Unfortunately, the Blanche and her crew were not so lucky. The schooner was lost without a trace, and all hands were presumed drowned.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

In June 1888, the Blanche‘s empty yawl boat was found washed ashore near Cape Vincent, New York, providing the first tangible evidence of the schooner’s fate. Later, in September, the body of Captain John Henderson was discovered on the beach near Brighton, Ontario. He was identified by the woolen socks he wore, which had been knitted by his mother before his departure.

The loss of the Blanche was a devastating blow to the community of Lakeport (formerly Cat Hollow), as several of the crew members hailed from this small village. The wreck of the Blanche remains one of the many tragic maritime losses on the Great Lakes, and the ship is remembered in local history as part of the rich nautical heritage of Prince Edward County and Lake Ontario.

LOCATED BY & DATE: #

While the exact location of the Blanche‘s wreck was not immediately determined, it was believed to be located several miles southwest of the “Scotch Bonnet” in Lake Ontario, based on reports from other vessels in the area. In 1999 Mr. Garshore located a schooner

NOTMARs & Advisories There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Blanche, as the vessel’s wreck has never been discovered, and its exact location is unknown.

Located By & Date The wreck of the Blanche has never been located, and the exact details of its final resting place remain a mystery.

Current Condition & Accessibility As the Blanche was lost without a trace, there are no remains accessible for exploration. The story of the Blanche remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes and the unpredictability of the weather in this region.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships: Provides information and histories of ships that sailed the Great Lakes, including those lost like the Blanche.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical data on Great Lakes vessels.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains detailed records and descriptions of shipwrecks, potentially including the Blanche.
• Divers Alert Magazine: Offers articles and resources related to diving, including historical shipwrecks and safety information.

Keywords Blanche, schooner, Great Lakes, shipwreck, squall, maritime history, lost vessel, tragedy

Analysis The loss of the Blanche is a tragic example of the perilous conditions faced by sailors on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The suddenness of the squall and the complete disappearance of the vessel and its crew underscore the dangers inherent in maritime life. The emotional impact of the disaster is further highlighted by the discovery of a crew member’s body, identified only by the socks hand-knitted by a grieving mother. This story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of Great Lakes shipping, where entire crews could be lost to the unforgiving elements. The mystery surrounding the Blanche‘s final resting place adds to the lore of the many ships that have disappeared on these inland seas, leaving behind only stories and the occasional fragment of evidence.