Identification & Site Information

• • Site Name: Carlingford
• • Type: Schooner
• • Location: Port Dover, Lake Erie
• • Coordinates: N 42° 39.288′, W 79° 28.597′
• • Depth: 105 feet (approximately 30 meters)
• • Length: 154 feet

Vessel Type Description

The Carlingford was a three-masted wooden-hulled Schooner built in 1869 in Port Huron, Michigan. It had a single Deck and was designed for large cargo loads, boasting a Gross Tonnage of 470 tons and a capacity of up to 30,000 bushels. Its spars measured 94, 96, and 98 feet, making it a towering figure on the Great Lakes. The Schooner represented a robust, versatile design that was well-suited to handle the busy trade routes and rough waters of the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Early Years

The Carlingford was launched in August 1869 and enrolled in Port Huron, Michigan, in September of the same year. Initially owned by Robert Montgomery of Buffalo, New York, the Schooner was primarily engaged in cargo transportation across the Great Lakes. Shortly after its launch, the vessel sank near the Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan but was salvaged and underwent a complete Rebuild in 1870.

Ownership and Incidents

Over its operational life, the Carlingford changed hands multiple times:

• Owned by Harrison & McKibbin of Buffalo, New York, by 1871.

• Acquired by Mericle of Dunkirk, New York, in 1876 and 1879.

The Schooner faced several setbacks, including stranding on Horseshoe Reef near Buffalo, New York, in 1879. This led to another significant Rebuild in 1880.

Cargo Transport and Final Voyage

In October 1881, the Carlingford was chartered for a major task, transporting 30 flat cars and a locomotive with a tender from Duluth to Port Arthur. However, just a month later, the Schooner’s luck ran out.

On November 12, 1881, the Carlingford collided with the iron steam Barge Brunswick approximately 12 miles off Dunkirk, New York, on Lake Erie. The collision, caused by miscommunication in passing signals, resulted in both vessels sinking. The tragedy marked the end of the Carlingford’s service.

Final Disposition

The Carlingford now lies at the bottom of Lake Erie near Port Dover at a depth of approximately 105 feet. Its remains serve as a poignant reminder of the perils of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation and the challenges faced by vessels in an era of limited communication and navigation technology.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Carlingford was discovered by maritime historians and diving enthusiasts. It remains a subject of study and exploration, contributing valuable insights into 19th-century ship construction and maritime practices.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

• Depth Considerations: At a depth of 105 feet, the site is suitable for experienced divers.

• Diver Safety: Proper buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the wreck and ensuring diver safety.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Carlingford lies in a state of preservation typical for its age, with structural elements such as the Hull and spars offering a fascinating dive experience. The site is a popular destination for underwater archaeologists and recreational divers, providing a window into the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• • David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link
• • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
• • Great Lakes Ships Database: Link
• • Save Ontario Shipwrecks Buoy Status: Link
• • Niagara Divers Association: Link
• • 3D Shipwreck Models: Link

Conclusion

The Carlingford stands as a testament to the resilience and vulnerability of 19th-century schooners on the Great Lakes. Its storied history, culminating in the tragic collision with the Brunswick, underscores the challenges of navigation in an era of limited maritime technology. Today, the wreck serves as both a memorial to the lives lost and a valuable archaeological site, attracting divers and historians alike.

Keywords

#Carlingford #Schooner #Lake Erie Shipwreck #Great Lakes Maritime History #19th Century Shipping #Port Dover #Brunswick Collision #Underwater Archaeology

3D Model of Carlingford