Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: Mary Ward
  • Type: Wooden Steamer
  • Year Built: 1865
  • Builder: Montreal, Quebec
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 129 feet (39.3 meters)
  • Construction Material: Wood
  • Original Use: Passenger and cargo transportation on the Great Lakes
  • Final Location
    • Coordinates: N 44°33.655’, W 80°19.711’
    • Location: Miligan’s Reef, Georgian Bay, approximately 2 kilometers from shore.

Vessel History

The Mary Ward was initially constructed in Montreal in 1865 to operate between Montreal and Chicago, playing a significant role in the transportation of goods and passengers. In 1872, the vessel was sold to a group from Owen Sound, repurposing it for service between Georgian Bay and Lake Superior.

The Tragic Incident

On November 22, 1872, the Mary Ward departed from Sarnia with cargo including acid, salt, and kerosene, along with passengers destined for Collingwood. A combination of adverse weather conditions and delays forced the vessel to leave Tobermory on November 24 for Owen Sound to pick up additional passengers.

Theories Surrounding the Grounding:

  • Mistaken Lights:
    • It’s suggested that the Captain might have mistaken the lights at the Craigleith Tavern for the entrance to Collingwood Harbor.
  • Unfamiliar Waters:
    • The Captain may not have been fully acquainted with the local geography of the area.
  • Fog Conditions:
    • A fog bank, created by warm air passing over the cold waters of Georgian Bay, may have obscured Visibility, complicating navigation.
  • Outcome:
    • The Mary Ward veered off course, striking Miligan’s Reef, where it became grounded on the rocks, unable to continue its journey.

Significance of the Incident

The Mary Ward grounding is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by 19th-century mariners navigating the Great Lakes. It underscores the risks posed by adverse weather conditions, geographic unfamiliarity, and the limited navigational technology of the time.

The tragedy surrounding the incident, along with the mystery of its exact cause, remains a part of local lore and history.

Current Condition

  • The wreck site is 2 kilometers from the shoreline, on Miligan’s Reef.
  • The wooden structure is likely in a state of advanced decay, with some portions possibly buried under silt or lost to natural forces over time.

Diving Information

  • Depth: The wreck lies in shallow waters, with portions potentially visible under favorable conditions.
  • Access: The site can be accessed by boat. Due to its proximity to the reef, caution is advised when navigating the area.

Visibility

Visibility may vary depending on weather, sedimentation, and time of year. The clear waters of Georgian Bay may offer good Visibility during calm conditions.

Safety Recommendations

  • Dive with a Buddy: As with any wreck dive, ensure you have a partner.
  • Check Conditions: Georgian Bay’s weather can change rapidly.
  • Buoyancy Control: Be mindful of the fragile wreckage and reef.

Historical Context

The Mary Ward served as a testament to the critical role steamers played in connecting communities and transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Its grounding is one of many incidents illustrating the hazards of navigating these vast inland seas.

Resources & Links

  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: For detailed records of shipwrecks and maritime operations.
  • Ontario Shipwreck Preservation Society: Information on wreck diving and conservation efforts.
  • Great Lakes Historical Societies: For local lore and additional context on the Mary Ward.

Tags

Mary Ward Wreck, Georgian Bay Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Steamer, Collingwood Harbor, Wooden Steamer Grounding, Miligan’s Reef.