Clara White (1871)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Clara White
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1871
• Builder: Christopher Harris, Dog Lake, Storrington, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 78.7 ft (23.99 m); Beam: 18.5 ft; Depth of hold: 6.3 ft
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 82 tons; Net: 62 tons
• Location: Grenadier Island, St. Lawrence River
• Original Owners: Christopher Harris, Alfred Eccles, Samuel Cardwell, John Shannon, Patrick McAuley, William Newman, James Reid, Captain Bebiah Major

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Clara White was a schooner designed for the rigors of Great Lakes and river navigation.

Description

The Clara White was constructed with care and precision by Christopher Harris, a shipbuilder in Dog Lake, Storrington, Ontario. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 82 tons and a net tonnage of 62 tons, making it a moderately sized schooner well-suited for transporting goods across the region’s waterways.

History

The Clara White was initially owned by its builder, Christopher Harris. Over the years, the vessel changed hands multiple times, with notable owners including Alfred Eccles, Samuel Cardwell, John Shannon, Patrick McAuley, William Newman, and James Reid. The final registered owners were Captain Bebiah Major, William Newman, and James Reid, who took ownership in April 1887. Throughout its operational life, the Clara White experienced several significant events:

• 1882: The schooner underwent major repairs, ensuring its continued service in the challenging waters of the Great Lakes.
• 1886: While en route from Oswego to Kingston, the Clara White ran aground at Indian Point in Quinte Bay. Fortunately, the damage was minimal, and the vessel was successfully refloated.
• 1888: The schooner was rebuilt, a testament to its importance and the value placed on maintaining its seaworthiness.

Significant Incidents

The Clara White met its unfortunate demise on November 28, 1889, while anchored at Grenadier Island in the St. Lawrence River. A devastating fire broke out on the vessel, completely destroying it. The crew managed to escape with their lives, though the cook sustained minor injuries. The schooner, valued at $1,600, was insured for $1,000, which partially offset the financial loss suffered by its owners. The cause of the fire remains unclear, marking the end of the Clara White‘s existence as a working schooner.

Final Disposition

Following the fire, the schooner’s register was officially canceled in December 1889. The Clara White is remembered not only for its years of service but also for the dramatic and unfortunate circumstances that led to its demise.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Clara White is not accessible for diving, and it is important to respect the site and its history. Divers are encouraged to document their experiences without disturbing the wreck or its surroundings, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’

Resources & Links

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The Clara White was more than just a schooner; it was a vital link in the transportation network of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Its history of ownership changes, repairs, and ultimate destruction by fire reflects the broader narrative of 19th-century maritime commerce. Though the vessel no longer exists, its story lives on in the records and memories of those who sailed on and relied upon the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River for their livelihoods.