Shipwreck Report: Unidentified Small Schooner

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Unidentified (Small Schooner)

•Type: Schooner

•Location: Lake Erie

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

•Depth: Approx. 65 feet (21 meters)

•Length: 72 feet (22 meters)

•Condition: Foundered, skeletal remains

•Date of Foundering: 1860s (approximate)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

This small Schooner, dating to the mid-19th century, was likely employed in the transportation of regional goods such as lumber, grain, or general cargo. Schooners of this size were common on the Great Lakes during this period, used for both trade and personal ventures. The inclusion of a Centerboard indicates it was designed for versatility in shallow or variable-depth waters, a feature that became prevalent after the 1840s.

HISTORY

The vessel’s specific identity and detailed history remain unknown. Based on its construction and location, it was likely one of many small schooners navigating the bustling trade routes of Lake Erie during the 19th century. These vessels played a vital role in the economic development of the region, transporting essential goods to and from burgeoning ports along the Great Lakes.

The Schooner Foundered in the 1860s, possibly due to harsh weather, overloading, or a collision, all common hazards for ships of its era. Its fate mirrors the challenges faced by countless other small vessels of the time.

CURRENT CONDITION

•Profile:

•The wreck sits low on the lakebed with much of its structure heavily decayed. The square Stern is still identifiable, though the small cabin is entirely gone, and most of the decking has deteriorated.

•The Schooner has a noticeable list to port, with one of its masts lying collapsed along the port side.

•Key Features:

•The tiller steering mechanism is still visible, offering insight into its navigational design.

•A Centerboard is present, reflecting a construction style common from the 1840s onward.

•No deadeyes are visible, but the presence of blocks suggests the use of simpler rigging systems on its masts.

•Hazards:

•Gill nets are draped across parts of the wreck, posing a risk of entanglement to divers.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Schooner likely sank during the 1860s, though the exact circumstances remain speculative. Its remains are an important artifact of Great Lakes maritime history, offering a glimpse into the design and operation of small cargo schooners from this era.

DIVER NOTES & ADVISORIES

•The wreck’s low profile and the presence of gill nets require careful navigation to avoid entanglement.

•The site provides a unique opportunity for divers to explore a mid-19th-century Schooner, though its fragile condition necessitates minimal physical contact.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website:

•Records and details on 19th-century schooners and their operations on Lake Erie.

2.Shipwreck Research Database:

•Archives and databases that may hold further clues to the vessel’s identity.

3.Local Maritime Museums:

•Museums near Lake Erie may have historical documents or artifacts that align with this wreck’s profile.

CONCLUSION

This unidentified Schooner serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by small vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its modest size and design reflect the utilitarian nature of these ships, which were essential to the region’s trade and development. While much of the vessel has deteriorated, its remnants offer valuable insights into mid-19th-century shipbuilding and navigation on Lake Erie.

KEYWORDS

Lake Erie shipwreck, Schooner, Centerboard vessel, 1860s maritime history, Great Lakes trade routes, underwater archaeology, Lake Erie diving sites.