Ariadne (1876)

Identification & Site Information #

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Vessel and Incident Overview #

The ARIADNE was a wooden schooner constructed in 1871 in Newcastle, Ontario, measuring 97 feet in length with a beam of 26.6 feet and a depth of 8.2 feet. With a tonnage of 158, the ARIADNE was a substantial vessel designed for the rigors of Great Lakes shipping. Over the course of its service, the schooner changed ownership several times, reflecting its active role in the bustling maritime trade that characterized the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. The ARIADNEwas a vital part of the shipping industry, transporting goods such as barley and other commodities between ports in Canada and the United States. However, the vessel’s career was tragically cut short in November 1886 when it encountered a violent storm on Lake Ontario, leading to its loss near Black Pond Beach, New York.

On its final voyage, the ARIADNE was carrying a cargo of 10,000 bushels of barley from South Bay, Ontario, to an elevator in Oswego, New York. As the ship neared its destination, it was caught in a severe storm that made it impossible to reach the safety of the port. In a desperate attempt to survive, the ARIADNE sought refuge near Stony Point, hoping to ride out the storm. Unfortunately, the storm only intensified, and the schooner became uncontrollable. The vessel ultimately ran aground north of Southwick Beach, near Black Pond Beach. The ARIADNE broke apart on the shoals, leading to a total loss of the vessel and its uninsured cargo.

The wreck of the ARIADNE was accompanied by a tragic loss of life. Captain Hugh McKay was washed overboard and drowned, his body never recovered. Two crew members succumbed to the freezing conditions, and their bodies were later found under six feet of ice. The remaining three crew members—Maurice Young, Edward Mulligan, and Thomas Cox—clung to the rigging of the disintegrating vessel, desperately trying to survive. They were eventually rescued by the courageous crew of the nearby Big Sandy Lifesaving Station, who brought the survivors to safety. The survivors were taken in by a local farmer, where they recovered before returning to their homes in Canada. The aftermath of the wreck left a deep mark on the maritime history of the Great Lakes, with the loss of life and the tragic story of Captain McKay’s unfulfilled wedding plans adding to the sorrow surrounding the shipwreck.

Final Voyage and Wreck #

On its final voyage, the ARIADNE was transporting 10,000 bushels of barley from South Bay, Ontario, to an elevator in Oswego, New York. The ship encountered a severe storm that made it impossible to reach the safety of the port. Seeking refuge, the vessel attempted to ride out the storm near Stony Point. Unfortunately, the storm intensified, and the schooner became uncontrollable. It eventually ran aground north of what is now Southwick Beach, near Black Pond Beach. The ARIADNE broke apart on the shoals, resulting in a total loss of the vessel and its uninsured cargo.

Casualties and Rescue #

The wreck of the ARIADNE was accompanied by tragic loss of life. Captain Hugh McKay was washed overboard and drowned, his body never recovered. Two crew members succumbed to the freezing conditions, their bodies later found under six feet of ice. The remaining three crew members—Maurice Young, Edward Mulligan, and Thomas Cox—took refuge in the rigging of the disintegrating vessel. They were eventually rescued by the brave crew of the nearby Big Sandy Lifesaving Station, who then brought the survivors to safety. These men were taken in by a local farmer, where they recovered before returning to their homes in Canada.

Aftermath and Legacy #

The ARIADNE‘s wreck left a sorrowful mark on the Great Lakes maritime history. The bodies of Southerland McKay and Charles Dean, two of the crew members who perished, were recovered in December 1886 and transported to Toronto for burial. The remains of Captain McKay were never found, adding to the tragic nature of the incident. The wreck also revealed a heartbreaking personal story: Captain McKay was planning to marry a young schoolteacher on Waupau Island. News of his death reached his fiancée only after the tragedy had occurred, deepening the sorrow surrounding the shipwreck.

Wreck Site and Current Condition #

Today, the wreckage of the ARIADNE lies scattered in shallow waters near Black Pond Beach, New York. The remnants of the schooner are spread out in depths ranging from 0 to 10 feet of fresh water. The site has become a place of historical interest, though much of the wreck is buried or fragmented due to the harsh conditions of Lake Ontario. The location is significant not only as a grave site but also as a testament to the dangers faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes.

Photo Gallery – CC Ben Ioset 2023