Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: Arctic

• Type: Schooner (originally built as a Bark)

• Date of Incident: July 9, 1896

• Location: Near Buffalo, Lake Erie

• Dimensions:

• Length: 130 feet (39.6 meters)

• Beam: 21 feet (6.4 meters)

• Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

• Tonnage: 265 tons

• Condition: Sank during a storm; partial loss with unclear recovery efforts

Vessel Type Description

The Arctic began its life in 1858 as a wooden sailing Bark constructed on the Hull of the Steamer Welland. Built by Arch Muir in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, the vessel exemplified mid-19th-century shipbuilding on the Great Lakes. It was converted into a Schooner in 1860, allowing for improved maneuverability and versatility in cargo transport. Its robust construction and adaptability made it a reliable workhorse, used primarily for hauling timber and other bulk goods.

History

The Arctic had a storied and eventful career, spanning nearly four decades.

• Early Years: Launched in 1858, the Arctic initially operated as a Bark before its Conversion to a Schooner in 1860. The vessel regularly carried timber, including cedar posts, and other goods vital to Great Lakes commerce.

• Rebuilds and Repairs: Significant investments were made to keep the Arctic seaworthy, with major overhauls in 1870, 1881, and 1890, reflecting its importance to its owners and the regional economy.

Final Voyage:

• On July 9, 1896, the Arctic was en route from Providence Bay, Ontario, to Buffalo, New York, carrying a load of cedar posts.

• While navigating Lake Erie, the vessel encountered a severe storm that quickly overwhelmed its defenses. The crew tried to anchor and pump out water, but the Schooner began sinking.

• In a desperate bid for survival, two crew members attempted to reach the shore using the ship’s small Yawl but tragically drowned. The remaining crew was rescued by Buffalo’s lifesaving crew.

The Arctic was owned by Captain Sidley, who had ties to St. Catharines, Ontario. Its long history and eventual loss during the storm illustrate both the resilience of Great Lakes vessels and the constant threats they faced from unpredictable weather.

Final Disposition

The Arctic sank during the storm on July 9, 1896. While it is unclear whether the wreck was ever salvaged, the damage sustained and the loss of life strongly suggest the vessel was declared a Total Loss. The precise location of the wreck remains undocumented, and its fate after the sinking is uncertain.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are linked to the wreck of the Arctic. Divers and mariners should exercise caution in the general vicinity of the sinking near Buffalo due to potential underwater hazards.

Located By & Date

There is no definitive record of the Arctic’s wreck being located by modern divers or surveyors. The exact site of the wreck near Buffalo, Lake Erie, remains undetermined.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records on Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the Arctic.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of historical Great Lakes vessels and incidents.

Conclusion

The story of the Arctic is a poignant testament to the risks faced by mariners on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. The vessel’s Conversion from a Bark to a Schooner, its multiple rebuilds, and its decades of service highlight its importance in regional commerce. However, its tragic loss during a storm near Buffalo in 1896 underscores the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of Great Lakes navigation.

The Arctic’s history, coupled with the mystery surrounding its final resting place, serves as a reminder of the resilience of Great Lakes sailors and the challenges they overcame in their efforts to sustain commerce and livelihoods on these inland seas.

Keywords

#GreatLakes #LakeErie #Schooner #MaritimeHistory #Shipwrecks #ARCTIC #Buffalo #19thCenturyShipping #GreatLakesStorms #UnderwaterHeritage