IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Wreck Name: BAY CITY

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Date of Incident: November 1859

•Location: East Sister Reef, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: Exact location not documented but near East Sister Reef.

•Depth: Approximately 7 feet of water

•Condition: Abandoned and partially exposed after running aground on the reef

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The BAY CITY was a wooden Schooner, a vital vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Built in 1853 in Vermillion, Ohio, it had a capacity of 216 tons, making it suitable for transporting bulk goods like corn and other agricultural products. Known for their speed and maneuverability, schooners like the BAY CITY played a key role in regional commerce, connecting agricultural producers to major trading hubs across the lakes.

HISTORY

The BAY CITY began its service in 1853, operating primarily out of Sandusky, Ohio. It was part of the thriving maritime trade network that moved goods efficiently across the Great Lakes. For six years, the Schooner transported various cargoes, contributing to the economic development of the region.

In November 1859, while carrying a load of corn, the BAY CITY encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. Buffeted by strong winds and heavy waves, the Schooner was forced dangerously close to the hazardous East Sister Reef. Despite rescue efforts by the Tug BRUCE and the wrecker RELIEF, the BAY CITY ran aground on the reef. The Hull was left stranded in just seven feet of water, partially exposed.

Fortunately, all six crew members escaped unharmed, a testament to their resilience and the timely response of rescue efforts. However, the vessel could not be saved. Declared Abandoned around November 24, 1859, the Schooner became yet another casualty of Lake Erie’s infamous storms. Reports suggest that salvage attempts may have occurred the following spring, but there is no conclusive evidence regarding their success.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The BAY CITY was left stranded and Abandoned on East Sister Reef. The Schooner was reported partially exposed in shallow waters, where it succumbed to the relentless forces of nature. Its ultimate fate remains uncertain, as no records indicate successful recovery or detailed examination of the wreck.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Current Status: No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are issued for the wreck site.

•Hazards: East Sister Reef historically posed significant risks to shipping but is no longer considered a major navigational hazard today.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The BAY CITY’s exact location was not precisely documented, but its remains were partially visible on East Sister Reef following the incident in November 1859.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Explore Record

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Visit Website

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Ship Details

CONCLUSION

The loss of the BAY CITY illustrates the harsh and unpredictable conditions of Lake Erie, where many schooners met their untimely end. Its grounding on East Sister Reef serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by mariners and the inherent dangers of Great Lakes navigation. Though its crew survived, the vessel was left to the elements, adding to the storied history of shipwrecks in the region.

Keywords:

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