SHIPWRECK REPORT: ANDES

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Andes

•Type: Wooden Brigantine (later converted to Schooner)

•Builder: J.P. Arnold, Toledo, Ohio

•Year Built: 1847

•Dimensions:

•Length: 122 feet (37.2 meters)

•Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters)

•Depth: 9.5 feet (2.9 meters)

•Tonnage: Approximately 269 tons

•Final Location: Deep waters off Madison, Ohio, Lake Erie

•Date of Loss: October 24, 1868

•Coordinates: Not documented

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Andes was originally launched as a Brigantine, a two-masted vessel with square sails on the foremast and Fore-and-Aft Sails on the mainmast. This design offered a balance of speed and cargo capacity, making it ideal for trade routes. After significant damage in 1867, the Andes was Rebuilt and converted into a Schooner, which featured three masts with Fore-and-Aft Sails. The Schooner rigging allowed for more efficient handling and operation with smaller crews.

HISTORY

The Andes was built in 1847 for owners Lewis, Beardsley & Fitch, and initially served trade routes between Toledo, Ohio, and Oswego, New York. Its construction was a testament to the thriving maritime commerce on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.

Significant Incidents:

1.Grounding near Sackets Harbor (1850s):

The Andes grounded and required significant repairs, marking the first of many challenges in its career.

2.Cleveland Incident (1853):

While transporting corn from Chicago to Buffalo, the vessel ran aground near Cleveland’s east pier, resulting in the loss of 11,500 bushels of corn.

3.Disasters and Rebuild (1867):

After being dismasted during a storm, the Andes was Rebuilt and converted into a Schooner, resuming service under new ownership.

Final Incident (1868):

On October 24, 1868, the Andes was bound for Buffalo from Detroit, carrying 16,000 bushels of wheat. The vessel encountered a fierce storm near Madison, Ohio. The Hull began to leak, and the Andes quickly sank in deep waters. Fortunately, the crew was rescued, avoiding any loss of life.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The sinking of the Andes in Lake Erie marked the end of a long and tumultuous service life. Despite the crew’s survival, the cargo and vessel were lost. The site of the wreck lies in deep waters off Madison, Ohio, and remains undisturbed, unmarked by modern exploration efforts.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are associated with the Andes. The wreck is not considered a navigational hazard given its depth and location.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has not been formally discovered or documented with specific coordinates. Its location is known from historical records of the sinking.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Due to the age of the wreck and its deep-water location, the condition of the Andes is unknown. It has not been explored or documented by modern divers, and its exact site remains a historical point of interest rather than an accessible wreck for exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Records

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Database

•Great Lakes Ships: Ship Histories and Specifications

CONCLUSION

The story of the Andes is one of resilience and transformation. Built as a Brigantine in 1847, the vessel endured numerous challenges and was ultimately Rebuilt as a Schooner. Its tragic sinking in 1868 highlights the dangers faced by 19th-century sailors navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes. Despite its loss, the Andes remains a symbol of the vibrant maritime history of Lake Erie and the era of wooden sailing vessels.

Keywords:

Andes, Schooner, Brigantine, Lake Erie, Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Madison Ohio, Wooden Vessels