The Schooner DREAD met its demise in September 1823 during a severe gale on Lake Erie. While en route from Buffalo to Detroit, the vessel was driven ashore on Long Point, a peninsula extending into the lake from Ontario, Canada. Despite the vessel being “dashed to pieces” by the relentless waves, all 30-plus passengers, primarily emigrants with their belongings, were rescued without loss of life.

Long Point has been notorious for shipwrecks due to its hazardous shoals and the unpredictable weather conditions on Lake Erie. The treacherous waters around the peninsula have claimed numerous vessels, especially during the 19th century when maritime travel was fraught with challenges.

The loss of the DREAD underscores the perils faced by early mariners and passengers navigating the Great Lakes. While specific details about the Schooner’s construction and ownership remain scarce, this incident highlights the broader narrative of maritime hazards in the region during that era.

Keywords: DREAD, Schooner, Lake Erie shipwreck, Long Point, maritime history

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, 19th Century Nautical Incidents

Glossary Terms:

• Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically rigged fore-and-aft, used extensively in the 19th and early 20th centuries for cargo and passenger transport.

• Long Point: A long, narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Erie from Ontario, Canada, known for its hazardous shoals and a history of shipwrecks.

• Gale: A strong wind, typically used to describe maritime weather conditions with wind speeds between 34 and 40 knots (63 to 74 km/h).

For a visual exploration of shipwrecks in Lake Erie, you might find the following video informative:

Lake Erie Shipwrecks: The Mystery & History of the Shipwrecked Schooner ‘Plymouth’