Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: MARY
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1877
- Builder: Merritton, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length 84 ft (25.6 m); Beam 20.3 ft; Depth of hold 7 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 87 tons
- Location: Galloo Island, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Not available (associated with debris near Galloup Islands)
- Official Number: 74378
- Original Owners: Andrew Baird of Toronto
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type Description
Description
The MARY was a wooden-hulled schooner, constructed in Merritton, Ontario, in 1877. Its modest dimensions—84 feet in length, 20.3 feet in beam, and 7 feet in depth—reflect its design for cargo transport across Lake Ontario. With a gross tonnage of 87 tons, the schooner was well-suited for its primary role in carrying bulk goods like coal.
History
The MARY operated under the ownership of Andrew Baird of Toronto and was an integral part of Ontario’s shipping network. On November 4, 1905, the schooner departed North Fairhaven, loaded with coal, and was destined for Napanee, Ontario. Captain Baird, along with three crew members—all from Napanee—were aboard for the journey.
After setting sail, the schooner vanished without further communication. On November 18, 1905, debris began washing ashore near the Galloup Islands, leading to fears that the vessel had been lost. Among the wreckage were green-and-white painted cabins, which matched the description of the MARY, confirming its tragic fate.
The specific circumstances of the sinking remain unknown. Possible causes include adverse weather, navigational errors, or structural failure. The loss of the MARY and its crew served as a stark reminder of the hazards of Great Lakes shipping during this era.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:
- November 4, 1905: The MARY departs North Fairhaven loaded with coal.
- November 18, 1905: Debris attributed to the MARY is discovered near Galloup Islands.
Final Disposition
The MARY likely sank during a severe weather event, breaking apart and scattering debris along the shoreline near Galloup Islands. The wreck site has never been definitively located, leaving the full story of its loss a mystery.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the MARY has not been formally identified or documented. Its suspected location near Galloup Islands suggests that the remains are likely fragmented and may lie scattered across the lakebed or along the shoreline. Accessibility for diving or recovery remains uncertain.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mary-c-74378″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The story of the MARY embodies the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners in the early 20th century. Its disappearance and the discovery of its wreckage underscore the dangers of navigating these vast inland seas without the benefit of modern weather forecasting and navigation aids. While the full details of its loss remain unknown, the MARY’s fate adds to the rich tapestry of Lake Ontario’s maritime history. The tragic event reminds us of the resilience of those who worked these waters and the significant role of schooners in shaping the region’s economic and cultural history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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