IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Dean Richmond
• Type: Wooden-hulled propeller-driven Steamer
• Built: 1864, Cleveland, Ohio
• Builder: Quayle & Martin
• Dimensions:
• Length: 238 feet (72.5 meters)
• Beam: 33.3 feet (10.1 meters)
• Depth: 14.6 feet (4.4 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,036 tons
• Net Tonnage: 810 tons
• Propulsion: Single screw propeller
• Owner: Erie & Western Transportation Company
• Final Location: Lake Erie, near Dunkirk, New York
• Coordinates: Latitude 42°30’N, Longitude 79°20’W
• Depth: Approximately 90–100 feet (27–30 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Dean Richmond was a wooden-hulled Propeller Steamer, designed for bulk cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Propelled by a single screw engine, it was used to carry coal, grain, and other goods vital to the industrial growth of the region. The vessel was known for its robust construction, typical of mid-19th century steamers that serviced growing industries and cities along the lakes.

HISTORY

The Dean Richmond, built in Cleveland in 1864, was part of the Erie & Western Transportation Company fleet, which played a significant role in facilitating trade across the Great Lakes. Named after Dean Richmond, a prominent New York railroad magnate, the vessel was emblematic of the era’s industrial expansion.

On October 14, 1893, the Dean Richmond was transporting coal from Buffalo, New York, to Toledo, Ohio, when it encountered a powerful storm on Lake Erie. Known for its sudden and treacherous storms, the lake’s weather conditions overwhelmed the Steamer. The Dean Richmond’s Hull reportedly began taking on water, and the vessel lost power in the fierce waves. Despite the crew’s efforts to manage the situation, the Steamer capsized and sank near Dunkirk, New York.

Tragically, 18 crew members lost their lives, with no survivors reported. The sinking of the Dean Richmond stands as one of the most devastating maritime tragedies on Lake Erie during the late 19th century.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the Dean Richmond was located off Dunkirk, New York, in Lake Erie. It rests at a depth of approximately 90–100 feet (27–30 meters). The wreck remains largely intact, with its wooden Hull preserved by the cold, fresh waters of the lake. The vessel’s final position has been a site of interest for divers and maritime historians, though it is considered a grave site.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• The Dean Richmond is situated within a region frequented by divers, and local authorities issue regular Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for the area.

• Divers should exercise caution due to the possibility of strong currents and Visibility challenges.

• Access to the wreck may be restricted or regulated out of respect for the loss of life and the site’s historical significance.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Dean Richmond was discovered in the 1970s by local divers exploring off Dunkirk, New York. Subsequent investigations have confirmed the identity of the vessel and revealed significant details about its construction and final moments.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the Dean Richmond is relatively well-preserved, given its age and the environmental conditions of Lake Erie. The wooden Hull and superstructure have survived remarkably due to the lack of saltwater corrosion. Divers visiting the site can observe:

• The collapsed Hull.

• Machinery components, including remnants of the engine and propeller.

The depth of the site makes it accessible to experienced divers with proper equipment. Visibility can range from poor to moderate, depending on weather conditions and sediment levels.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• • Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Historical records of the Dean Richmond and similar vessels.
• • David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed archival information about Great Lakes wrecks.
• • NOAA Marine Sanctuary Records: Surveys and research on Lake Erie wrecks.
• • Local Diving Charters in Dunkirk, NY: Access to dive the Dean Richmond site.
• 3D Shipwrecks – Dean Richmond

3D Model – Dean Richmond

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the Dean Richmond is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners in the 19th century. Its tragic sinking in 1893 underscores the challenges of navigating these vast inland seas, particularly during the unpredictable storm season. Today, the wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a memorial to the crew members who lost their lives. Its preservation in the depths of Lake Erie offers valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and the harsh realities of maritime commerce.

KEYWORDS

Dean Richmond, Lake Erie, Dunkirk, shipwreck, 19th-century Steamer, Erie & Western Transportation, Great Lakes maritime history, Lake Erie diving, maritime tragedy.