IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: David Stewart

•Type: Schooner

•Depth: 25 feet (8 meters)

•Length: 171 feet (52 meters)

•Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie, 250 yards offshore, Pigeon Bay near Leamington, Ontario

•Coordinates: N 41 58.692 W 82 32.940

•Year Built: Likely mid-19th century

•Built At: Cleveland, Ohio

•Owner at Loss: Peck, Marine City

•Hull Materials: Wood

•Gross Tonnage: 518 tons

•Final Cargo: Not specified

•Registry: United States

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The David Stewart was a large wooden-hulled Schooner, built for durability and long-distance transport across the Great Lakes. With a Gross Tonnage of 518 tons and a three-masted rigging, it was a robust vessel capable of handling significant cargo loads. Its design exemplified the 19th-century Schooner tradition, emphasizing functionality and resilience for the challenging Great Lakes environment.

HISTORY

The David Stewart had a distinguished and eventful service life, weathering numerous incidents before its final loss. Constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, the vessel served as a vital cog in the bustling trade networks of the Great Lakes, ferrying goods between key ports.

•Incidents:

In 1868, the Schooner grounded twice in separate incidents, first on Peach Island in the Detroit River and later on Pilot Island in Green Bay. The vessel was refloated and repaired, showcasing its durability and importance to its owners.

In 1891, the Schooner stranded during a gale near Geneva, Ohio, but was successfully released, continuing its service.

•Ownership Changes:

By the late 19th century, John W. Squires of Marine City, Michigan, acquired the vessel, highlighting its continued utility despite its age.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On October 6, 1893, the David Stewart anchored off the west side of Point Pelee, seeking refuge from a severe southwest gale. Despite attempts to ride out the storm, the vessel succumbed to the powerful waves, sinking just 250 yards from the shore.

•Crew’s Ordeal:

Five men and one woman survived by clinging to the rigging for 14 hours amidst rough seas before being rescued by the fishing Tug Louise from Sandusky, Ohio.

•Loss:

The Schooner and its cargo were valued at approximately $18,000, a significant sum for the time. Both were declared a Total Loss.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The David Stewart lies in relatively shallow water at a depth of 25 feet (8 meters), making it accessible for recreational divers. The wreck is located near Pigeon Bay, a short distance from shore, but conditions such as Visibility and debris accumulation may affect exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive records of the Schooner and its operational history.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival documents detailing the shipwreck.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database entry for the David Stewart.

•Louise Tug Records: Chronicles of the rescue effort.

•Peck Marine City Records: Ownership and operational details.

KEYWORDS

David Stewart | Schooner | Point Pelee | Lake Erie Shipwreck | Maritime History | Great Lakes Navigation | Foundering in Gale | Pigeon Bay Dive Site | 19th Century Shipping | Louise Tug Rescue

CONCLUSION

The David Stewart is a testament to the challenges of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. From its construction in Cleveland to its tragic sinking near Point Pelee, the vessel represents the resilience and peril of maritime life. The wreck’s proximity to shore and its accessibility at 25 feet of depth make it a poignant dive site for exploring the historical narrative of Great Lakes shipping. The Schooner’s story, marked by survival, loss, and endurance, continues to captivate maritime enthusiasts and historians alike.