Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ARIADNE
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: Not specified in available record
- Dimensions: Length: 97 ft (29.6 m); Beam: 26.6 ft (8.1 m); Depth of hold: 8.2 ft (2.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 158 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Near Black Pond Beach, New York
- Original Owners: Initial Owner: Not specified; Subsequent Owners: F. Gibson (1878), Gibson et al. (1879)
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The ARIADNE was a two-masted wooden schooner, typical of the vessels used during the late 19th century for transporting bulk commodities across the Great Lakes. Its 158-ton capacity and clinker-built design made it efficient for carrying goods such as barley and grain. Schooners like the ARIADNE were integral to the trade networks connecting Canadian and U.S. ports on the Great Lakes, navigating unpredictable weather and often perilous conditions.
Description
The ARIADNE was launched in 1871 in Newcastle, Ontario, and operated extensively in the Great Lakes grain trade. Ownership transitioned from its original operators to F. Gibson in 1878 and later to Gibson et al. in 1879. The schooner’s primary routes included Canadian and U.S. ports such as South Bay, Ontario, and Oswego, New York.
History
On November 30, 1886, the ARIADNE departed South Bay, Ontario, with 10,000 bushels of barley bound for Oswego, New York. A severe storm engulfed the vessel near Stony Point on Lake Ontario, forcing it to seek refuge. Unable to maintain control in the escalating weather, the schooner ran aground near Black Pond Beach, north of Southwick Beach.
Significant Incidents
Outcome: The ARIADNE broke apart on the shoals, resulting in a total loss of the uninsured cargo and vessel.
- Captain Hugh McKay: Was washed overboard and drowned. His body was never recovered.
- Crew Members Lost: Two, who died from exposure, later found under six feet of ice.
- Survivors:
- Maurice Young
- Edward Mulligan
- Thomas Cox
The survivors clung to the rigging and were rescued by the crew of the Big Sandy Lifesaving Station, who transported them to safety.
Final Disposition
The loss of the ARIADNE left a significant mark on Lake Ontario’s maritime history. The bodies of two deceased crew members, Southerland McKay and Charles Dean, were recovered and buried in Toronto. Captain McKay’s fiancée, a young schoolteacher on Waupau Island, received the tragic news, further deepening the emotional impact of the wreck.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Location: Near Black Pond Beach, New York
Depth: 0 to 10 feet in fresh water
Condition:
- The wreckage is fragmented and scattered, with some parts buried under sediment due to harsh lake conditions.
- The shallow location makes it accessible for exploration, though much of the structure has deteriorated over time.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ariadne-1871″ title=”References & Links”]
The ARIADNE’s tragic loss highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation during the late 19th century. Its final journey and the bravery of its survivors are a testament to the resilience of the mariners who faced the region’s unpredictable storms. Today, the ARIADNE’s wreck site serves as a historical reminder of the challenges and sacrifices of those who worked on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →