(wooden Schooner, built 1873)

Identification & Vessel Information

  • Name: Starling
  • Built: 1873 by J. Tait, Sophiasburg, Ontario
  • Official number: Not listed
  • Type: Two-masted wooden Schooner
  • Dimensions: 108 ft length × 25 ft beam × ~10 ft depth, 198 GRT

Final Incident – November 15, 1884

  • Date: November 15, 1884
  • Weather: Gale-force storm on Lake Huron
  • Incident Details: The Starling was driven ashore near the grounded Grummond Line wrecker Winslow during the storm.
  • Cargo: Listed as carrying potatoes, grain, apples, and hay.
  • Casualties: None reported; crew presumably survived.

This grounding occurred in proximity to another wreck—a steam-powered salvage Tug—intensifying the perilous conditions during the gale

Rescue & Salvage Complications

  • After grounding, the Starling remained stranded.
  • The Tug Winslow attempted to re-float her but towed her in violation of Canadian salvage law without permission.
  • Tensions escalated when the Canadian wrecker International arrived and intended to enforce salvage rights.
  • In response, Winslow‘s Captain Martin Swain hastily departed—reportedly firing the boiler with pitch to increase speed and evade intervention ([turn0search4]).

Final Disposition

  • Declared: Constructive Total Loss after beaching and failed salvage
  • Outcome: The Starling was Abandoned ashore without recovery—her Hull left wrecked and unusable.

Archival Sources

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files entry with construction details and grounding narrative ([turn0search4])
  • Marsh Historical Collection news reports describe Tug conflict, salvage complications, and allegations of illegal towing ([turn0search4])

Archival Gaps & Research Opportunities

  • Location Specifics: Exact wreck site pinpointing required—likely along eastern Lake Huron coast near Canadian border.
  • Crew Details: Names, ages, and list of survivors are unknown—maritime crew manifests or Canadian harbor logs may hold records.
  • Legal Proceedings: Court records or salvage law enforcement logs from Canadian authorities could detail subsequent actions.
  • Wreck Fate: Shoreline surveys or newspaper articles may indicate whether the Starling remained visible or was eventually broken up.

Conclusion

The Starling, a 108 ft cargo Schooner built in 1873, was grounded by gale conditions on November 15, 1884, near the wrecked Tug Winslow. She carried mixed agricultural cargo and was a Total Loss. Complicating salvage attempts, the Winslow Tug attempted illegal towing in Canadian waters, escaping before authorities intervened. Documentation of the event exists, but further research into location accuracy, crew survival, and legal outcomes will enhance the historical record.