C71061 BLANCHE

Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name(s): Blanche, Picton, Old Picton, 2 Masts Standing, Petrie 2
  • Year of Build: 1888
  • Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Hull Materials: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Original Owner & Location: Likely built in Mill Point (now Deseronto), Ontario
  • Dimensions: Unknown (historical records may provide details)
  • Tonnage (Old Style): Unknown
  • Final Location: Believed to be several miles southwest of “Scotch Bonnet,” Lake Ontario
  • Date of Wreck: May 27, 1888
  • Cause of Wreck: Sudden squall during a coal transport voyage

Vessel Type Description

The Blanche was a two-masted wooden Schooner, a vessel type widely used during the 19th century for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Known for their agility and capacity to handle turbulent waters, schooners like the Blanche were vital for regional commerce. Alongside its sister ship, the Katie Eccles, the Blanche was noted for its elegant design and practical utility. These vessels were the pride of the Great Lakes fleet, embodying both beauty and functionality.

History

The Blanche was built in 1888 at Mill Point (Deseronto), Ontario. It primarily transported cargo between ports on Lake Ontario, serving as a critical link in the region’s trade network. Schooners like the Blanche typically carried coal, timber, and other bulk goods essential for fueling industry and local communities.

On May 27, 1888, the Blanche set out from Oswego, New York, with a cargo of coal destined for Brighton, Ontario. The weather was deceptively calm, with a high moon illuminating the Schooner’s path. Captain John Henderson expressed confidence in the favourable winds while exchanging hails with another vessel, the Fleetwing, captained by Thomas Matthews.

Despite the calm appearance, the barometer was falling, a sign of impending danger. Shortly after parting ways, the Blanche was caught in a sudden and violent squall. While the Fleetwing survived by preparing for the storm, the Blanche succumbed to the severe weather, disappearing beneath the waves with its entire crew presumed drowned.

Final Disposition

  • Date of Wreck: May 27, 1888
  • Location: Believed to be southwest of Scotch Bonnet, Lake Ontario
  • Final Cargo: 30 tons of coal
  • Evidence of Loss:
  • In June 1888, the Schooner’s empty Yawl boat was found washed ashore near Cape Vincent, New York.
  • In September 1888, the body of Captain John Henderson was discovered near Brighton, Ontario, identified by hand-knit socks made by his mother.

The community of Lakeport (formerly Cat Hollow) suffered deeply from this loss, as several crew members hailed from the small village.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Blanche Is located near Point Petre.

Historical Significance

The Blanche’s story exemplifies the perilous conditions faced by Great Lakes sailors in the 19th century. The vessel’s sudden loss underscores the unpredictability of the weather and the limitations of early forecasting methods. The poignant discovery of personal items like Captain Henderson’s socks highlights the emotional toll of maritime tragedies on families and communities.

Resources & Links

Analysis

The loss of the Blanche highlights the fragility of 19th-century schooners in the face of sudden storms. The lack of advanced weather prediction and the inherent risks of cargo overloading likely contributed to the tragedy. This case serves as a reminder of the challenges of Great Lakes shipping, where calm waters could quickly give way to devastating storms.

The mystery surrounding the Blanche’s resting place adds to the lore of Great Lakes shipwrecks, with only fragments of evidence—like the Yawl boat and Captain Henderson’s remains—providing clues to its fate. Efforts to locate the wreck could provide valuable insights into the ship’s final voyage and contribute to the broader understanding of maritime history on Lake Ontario.

Keywords #Blanche #Lake Ontario Shipwreck #Schooner #Scotch Bonnet #Maritime History #19th-Century Shipwrecks #Coal Transport #Storm Wreck $Great Lakes Tragedies