Bay Trader

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Bay Trader
• Type: Scow-Schooner
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: John Glover, Port Rowan, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length 113 ft (34.4 m); Beam 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross 172 tons
• Location: Clear Creek, Canadian side of Lake Erie
• Original Owners: Austin Steers, Port Rowan, Ontario
• Number of Masts: Two-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Bay Trader was a two-masted wooden scow-schooner, a type of vessel widely used during the 19th century for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. Designed for practicality and versatility, the Bay Trader was well-suited for hauling bulk materials like wood, grain, or other commodities essential to regional trade.

Description

The Bay Trader was built in 1873 by John Glover in Port Rowan, Ontario. It served as a workhorse of Lake Erie’s maritime trade, primarily transporting wood and other goods across the lake.

History

On July 11, 1888, the Bay Trader set out from Port Rowan, Ontario, bound for Buffalo, New York, carrying a load of wood. The tranquil waters of Lake Erie soon gave way to a fierce storm, which drove the vessel off course.

• Incident: The Bay Trader ran aground at Clear Creek, on the Canadian side of Lake Erie. The schooner was stranded beneath a 40-foot cliff, rendering it inaccessible from the shore.
• Rescue: The Canadian Lifesavers performed a daring rescue, throwing a line from the cliff above and saving all crew members. The rescue was remarkable for its speed and bravery, ensuring that no lives were lost.

Significant Incidents

The Bay Trader was declared a total loss at the time of the incident. However, records suggest that the vessel may have been salvaged in part:

An 1890 insurance list describes the Bay Trader as a “wrecking lighter” in need of repairs, indicating that the hull or other components might have been salvaged and repurposed for new uses.

Final Disposition

The Bay Trader ran aground and was deemed a total loss. It is unclear to what extent the vessel was salvaged or if remnants still exist at the site near Clear Creek.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: Unknown. If the vessel was salvaged or repurposed as a wrecking lighter, significant portions of the wreck may no longer exist.

Accessibility: The presumed wreck site would be of interest for historical or archaeological exploration, though further confirmation is needed regarding the presence of remains.

Resources & Links

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The Bay Trader exemplifies the challenges faced by 19th-century schooners on the volatile waters of Lake Erie. While not a grand vessel, its story highlights the integral role of small schooners in regional trade and the ever-present risks of navigating the Great Lakes. The incident also underscores the bravery and effectiveness of the Canadian Lifesavers, who played a critical role in the safe recovery of the crew.