E.P. Ryerse US 7317

Identification & Site Information

• Name: E.P. RYERSE (sometimes erroneously referred to as S.P. RYERSE)

• Former Names: None

• Official Number: 7317

• Date Built & Launched: 1861

• Builder: David Foster, Port Ryerse, Ontario

• Original Owner: Likely Canadian ownership initially; by 1866, registered in the United States

• Registration Number(s): 7317

• Measurements:

• Length: 96 ft (29.26 m)

• Beam: 22 ft (6.71 m)

• Depth: 8 ft (2.44 m)

• Tonnage: 148 tons

Vessel Type

The E.P. RYERSE was a two-masted wooden schooner, typical of Great Lakes vessels used for bulk cargo transport during the mid-19th century. Designed for efficiency and simplicity, schooners like the RYERSE were economical to operate and capable of carrying a wide range of materials, including stone, coal, lumber, and grain.

Description

Built in 1861 by David Foster in Port Ryerse, Ontario, the schooner was named after the Ryerse family, an influential settler family in the region. Measuring 96 feet in length with a 22-foot beam and an 8-foot draft, the E.P. RYERSE was a moderately sized vessel, ideal for navigating both open waters and smaller harbors along the Great Lakes.

Her wooden hull was sturdy, built to withstand the challenging conditions often encountered on Lake Erie. The two-mast schooner rig was common for vessels of this size, offering a balance of manageable sail handling with sufficient cargo capacity.

History

The E.P. RYERSE served for over a decade in the bulk cargo trade, transporting materials essential to the growing cities and industries around the Great Lakes. While initially Canadian, the schooner was sold to U.S. interests by 1866, reflecting the fluid maritime commerce between Canada and the United States during that era.

By the time of her loss in 1874, the vessel was reportedly owned either by J.J. Boland of Cleveland, Ohio, or Philo Bemis, indicating her involvement in the busy shipping lanes that connected Lake Erie’s major ports.

Final Disposition

On the night of September 22, 1874, the E.P. RYERSE was upbound on Lake Erie, carrying a load of paving stone, a common cargo used for urban construction projects during the industrialization of the Great Lakes cities. Approximately 7 miles southwest of Dunkirk, New York, she was involved in a collision with the coal-laden schooner BAHAMA, which was also upbound.

The collision occurred in darkness, with both schooners on opposite tacks—meaning they were sailing at different angles to the wind. Due to limited visibility and poor situational awareness, the BAHAMA struck the RYERSE on her port quarter. The impact breached the RYERSE’s hull, causing her to take on water rapidly.

While the schooner sank within an hour, the crew managed to abandon ship safely. The BAHAMA stood by and successfully rescued the entire crew of the E.P. RYERSE, ensuring that no lives were lost in the incident.

A subsequent investigation established that the RYERSE had the right of way, as she was sailing on the starboard tack, which under maritime rules grants priority over vessels on the port tack. The incident likely led to a reassessment of navigational protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining lookout and adherence to right-of-way rules, especially at night.

Located By & Date Found

There are no confirmed records indicating the discovery of the E.P. RYERSE’s wreck. Given her relatively shallow sinking location in Lake Erie, the wreck may still exist, though it could be buried under sediment or degraded due to the wooden construction.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically reference the wreck of the E.P. RYERSE near Dunkirk, New York. However, Lake Erie’s nearshore areas are known for submerged hazards, and updated nautical charts should be consulted when navigating in this region.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessels Database – Bowling Green State University

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Western New York Maritime Historical Society

Conclusion

The story of the E.P. RYERSE reflects both the dangers and the strong maritime community spirit of the 19th-century Great Lakes shipping industry. Despite the tragic loss of the vessel, the successful rescue of her crew highlights the camaraderie among sailors navigating the often-treacherous waters of Lake Erie. Her fate serves as a historical example of the importance of navigational rules and the ever-present risks faced by schooners during the height of Great Lakes commerce.