Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

Description

The Ann Maria was a wooden Schooner of typical Great Lakes design in the mid-19th century, with three masts, a deep hold for bulk cargo, and 256 gross tons capacity. Built in 1864 at Conneaut, Ohio, she operated for nearly forty years in coal and lumber transport across the Great Lakes. Earlier in her career she survived a grounding in 1892 off Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where she lost her bowsprit, jibboom, and foremast in a gale but was repaired and returned to service.

History

The Schooner was constructed in 1864 by Peter White at Conneaut, Ohio, and entered the U.S. registry at Port Huron, Michigan. Between 1871 and 1879 she was owned by Marshall Capron, her original builder and a prominent figure in Conneaut shipbuilding. She routinely carried coal and lumber between Cleveland, Alpena, and Lake Huron ports.

On her final voyage in October 1902, she departed Cleveland carrying coal consigned to the Kincardine waterworks. As a westerly gale intensified through the evening of **7 October 1902**, she attempted to reach shelter at Kincardine. Around 10 p.m. cries were heard near the harbour, and townspeople spotted the Ann Maria hard aground at the South Pier, with heavy seas breaking over her.

Final Dispositions

A lifeboat with four local rescuers—John McGaw Jr., Walter McGaw, Thomas McGaw Sr., and William Ferguson—reached the vessel and managed to load all six crew aboard. As they prepared to return to shore, a massive wave capsized the rescue boat, throwing all into the storm. Two sailors (William Pemberton and George Schryer, both of Alpena) and two townsmen managed to regain the Schooner, but five drowned: Capt. Alexander Gordon (Port Dover), Mrs. Kennedy (cook, Alpena), Steen Ryan (sailor, Alpena), Perry Bond (sailor, Marine City), and rescuer William Ferguson (Kincardine). Survivors clung to the wreck until 2 a.m. when the gale subsided enough for them to be rescued.

The wreck was declared a Total Loss, breaking apart in the surf. Portions of her Keel and timbers remain today, visible at Kincardine’s Station Beach.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck was visible immediately after grounding in October 1902. Today fragments of her Hull timbers are exposed in the shallows of Station Beach, Kincardine, accessible to shore visitors.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Not charted as a hazard to navigation. Protected under the Ontario Heritage Act; removal of wreckage is prohibited. Visible during periods of low lake level and heavy surf movement.

Dive Information

Access: Shore dive or snorkel from Station Beach, Kincardine
Entry Point: Direct wade-in from beach
Conditions: Surf-zone wreck; low to moderate Visibility; shallow surge
Depth Range: 0–12 ft (0–3.5 m)
Emergency Contacts: Canadian Coast Guard; Municipality of Kincardine emergency services
Permits: Recreational diving permitted; disturbance/removal prohibited
Dive Support: Local dive clubs in Bruce County, Port Elgin, and Goderich

Crew & Casualty Memorials

Lost: Capt. Alexander Gordon (Port Dover); Mrs. Kennedy (cook, Alpena); Steen Ryan (sailor, Alpena); Perry Bond (sailor, Marine City); William Ferguson (rescuer, Kincardine).
Survivors: William Pemberton and George Schryer (both of Alpena).
The rescue crew received posthumous and survivor commendations: U.S. Presidential Gold Life-Saving Medals and Royal Canadian Humane Society Bronze Medals.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“The Schooner ANNA MARIE of Alpena, Mich., loaded with coal for the Kincardine waterworks, was wrecked here last night. Capt. Gordon and three of the crew, with Mr. Ferguson of a rescue party, were drowned.” — Buffalo Evening News, 8 October 1902

“…a huge wave swept over the Schooner and upset the life-boat throwing the occupants into the water. Five were lost including Capt. Alex Gordon.” — Patrick Folkes, Shipwrecks of the Saugeen

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

Official No. 387. Registered at Port Huron, Michigan. Built 1864 at Conneaut, Ohio. Dimensions: 131.2 × 26.3 × 11.3 ft. Tonnage: 256 gross, 243 net. Enrollment records show ownership by Marshall Capron (1871–1879). No insurance records located in current research.

Site Documentation & Imaging

The wreck is partially preserved in the surf zone at Station Beach, Kincardine. Documented by Sarah Chisholm Photography (2014). Remains consist of Keel timbers and iron fastenings embedded in the shoreline. No sonar survey or 3D model recorded due to shallow water location.

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
• Newspapers.com
• Sarah Chisholm Photography — Ann Maria wreck remains

References

1. Buffalo Evening News, 8 October 1902 — “Schooner Anna Marie Wrecked.”
2. Port Huron Daily Times, 8 October 1902 — “Schooner Anna Maria Wrecked.”
3. Patrick Folkes, Shipwrecks of the Saugeen (Kincardine accounts, 1902).
4. Merchant Vessels of the United States (1902), registry listing for Schooner Ann Maria, Official No. 387.
5. Buffalo Enquirer, 19 July 1892 — “Ann Maria Beached at Sheboygan.”
6. Sarah Chisholm, “The Shipwreck of the Ann Maria,” Photography Blog (2014).

NOAA Shipwreck Record Card