Shipwreck Report: “Civil War” Wreck Schooner

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Wreck Name: “Civil War” Wreck Schooner (unidentified)

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Dimensions:

• Length: 72 feet (21.9 meters)

• Beam: Not specified

• Depth: 65 feet (21 meters)

• Location: Lake Erie

• Coordinates: N 41° 46.068’, W 82° 13.747’

• Condition:

• Foundered in the 1860s

• Low-profile wreck with significant deterioration

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

This Schooner, presumed to date from the mid-19th century, was a small wooden sailing vessel typical of the Civil War era. Its construction features include:

• Centerboard: A common design element for schooners beginning in the 1840s, aiding in navigation in shallow waters.

• Square Stern: Typical of the period, offering additional cargo capacity.

• Tiller Steering: Indicates a smaller, manually controlled vessel.

• Block Rigging: Used instead of deadeyes, reflecting a simpler rigging system suited for smaller schooners.

These characteristics suggest the vessel was likely used for local cargo or fishing rather than long-distance trade.

HISTORY

• The Schooner likely operated during the 1860s, a period when small, versatile schooners played an essential role in regional trade and fishing on Lake Erie.

• Vessels of this size and design were common for transporting goods such as grain, coal, and lumber between Great Lakes ports.

• The cause of its sinking remains undocumented, but the wreck’s condition and the lack of intact decking suggest it Foundered during bad weather or due to structural failure.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck lies on the lakebed at 65 feet, with a slight list to port. Key features of the wreck include:

• Deteriorated Decking: Most of the decking is missing, and the cabin structure has collapsed or been lost.

• Mast Collapse: One mast has fallen to the port side.

• Net Hazards: Divers should be cautious of gill nets tangled in the wreckage, a known hazard at the site.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to this wreck.

• Divers are advised to exercise caution due to the presence of gill nets and unstable wreckage.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has been known to local diving communities for some time, though its exact discovery date and identifying details remain unclear.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Condition:

• The wreck is heavily deteriorated, with minimal structural integrity remaining.

• Visible features include the square Stern, remnants of rigging, and the collapsed mast.

• Accessibility:

• Diving Depth: 65 feet (21 meters), suitable for recreational divers with moderate experience.

• Cautions:

• Gill nets present a significant entanglement risk.

• The wreck’s fragile condition requires careful navigation to avoid further damage.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Provides context for similar vessels operating on Lake Erie during the Civil War era.

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Offers guidelines for safe exploration of wrecks like this one.

• NOAA Shipwreck Database: May provide additional historical insights or map references for nearby wrecks.

KEYWORDS

#CivilWarWreck #LakeErieShipwrecks #Schooner #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #DivingLakeErie #GillNetHazards #19thCenturyShipwreck

CONCLUSION

The “Civil War” Wreck Schooner is a poignant reminder of the era’s bustling maritime activity on Lake Erie. Though unidentified, its design and features provide a window into the mid-19th century’s regional shipping and fishing industries. The wreck’s current condition makes it a fragile yet fascinating site for divers, highlighting the need for careful exploration and preservation. Further research and documentation could unveil more about this mysterious vessel and its role in Great Lakes history.