Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Ann Harkley (also seen as Ann Hartley)
  • Former Names: Nicolet, I.L. Tucker or J.L. Tucker, then renamed back to Nicolet before becoming Ann Harkley in 1865
  • Official Number: C53287
  • Date Built & Launched: 1855
  • Builder: Calio or Calis, Nicolet (Three Rivers), Quebec
  • Original Measurements: 100 ft x 22 ft x 9 ft (30.5 m x 6.7 m x 2.7 m) as a propeller
  • Original Tonnage: 234 gross tons, 158 net tons
  • Final Tonnage: 195 tons as a Schooner
  • Date Lost: October 11, 1866
  • Place of Loss: Off Cove Island, Lake Huron
  • Type of Loss: Collision
  • Loss of Life: None
  • Cargo: 170 barrels of whiskey, 50 barrels of coal oil

Vessel Type

Originally built as a wooden propeller-driven steamer, the Ann Harkley was converted into a three-masted schooner in 1865-66, just before her loss.

Description

The Ann Harkley had an unusual history, beginning life as a Propeller Steamer named Nicolet, built in 1855 in Quebec. It underwent several name changes, first becoming I.L. Tucker (or J.L. Tucker) around 1859, reverting to Nicolet in 1861, and finally receiving the name Ann Harkley in 1865. Around this time, the vessel was converted from a steam-powered propeller ship into a sailing Schooner, likely in response to economic changes or mechanical issues.

History

The Ann Harkley had a troubled career leading up to her final loss. On October 2, 1866, she stranded at Saugeen, Lake Huron, but was refloated with only minor damage. She resumed her journey toward Owen Sound but met disaster again near Cove Island on October 11. The Schooner struck a sunken rock near the Cove Island lighthouse, holing her Hull.

In an effort to save the vessel, the crew jettisoned her cargo—barrels of whiskey and coal oil—which later washed ashore intact. Despite these efforts, Ann Harkley broke her back and was declared a Total Loss.

A month later, controversy surrounded the wreck when the vessel’s mate accused her captain and owner of deliberately wrecking her. However, after an investigation, the captain was cleared of wrongdoing. By May 1867, remnants of the ship had drifted ashore on Rabbit Island, further confirming that she had been completely lost.

At the time of her loss, Ann Harkley was owned by Captain Harkley, based in Toronto or Collingwood.

Final Disposition

The vessel was deemed a Total Loss, with her remains scattering and washing up on Rabbit Island the following year. No known salvage efforts were undertaken beyond recovering the cargo that drifted ashore.

Located By & Date Found

No modern discovery of the wreck has been confirmed.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No known navigational hazards related to the wreck site today, but Cove Island remains a significant area of shipwreck history in Lake Huron.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Ann Harkley had a unique and somewhat mysterious history, having been converted from a Propeller Steamer to a Schooner and undergoing multiple name changes. Her loss in 1866, after already running aground earlier that month, was surrounded by suspicions of intentional wrecking, though no charges were ever proven. The vessel’s remains ultimately washed up on Rabbit Island, marking the end of an unusual and eventful career.

Suggested Keywords & Categories

  • Keywords: Ann Harkley shipwreck, Ann Hartley, Nicolet shipwreck, Cove Island wrecks, Lake Huron schooners, Great Lakes maritime history, whiskey cargo shipwreck
  • Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Lake Huron History, 19th-Century Schooners, Suspicious Shipwrecks
  • Glossary Terms: Schooner, Propeller Steamer, Ship Stranding, Cargo Jettisoning, Cove Island Lighthouse