Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: Unknown Small Schooner

Type: Wooden Schooner

Location: Lake Erie

Coordinates: Latitude: 41°46.068’N / Longitude: 82°13.747’W

Depth: Approximately 65 feet (21 meters)

Length: 72 feet (22 meters)

Vessel Type Description

This wreck is a small wooden Schooner, believed to have Foundered in the 1860s. Designed for efficient cargo transportation on the Great Lakes, it features a Centerboard construction, which became common in the 1840s to allow for navigation in shallow waters. The vessel was likely used for regional trade, possibly transporting goods such as lumber, grain, or coal.

The square Stern and tiller steering indicate its functional and straightforward design, typical of working schooners of its size and period. While much of its decking and the small Stern cabin are now gone, structural elements like the Centerboard, mast, and rigging features remain partially intact.

Features of the Wreck

1.General Structure:

•The wreck has a low profile on the lakebed and is slightly listed to port.

•The Stern is square, with remnants of its original structure still visible.

2.Rigging and Masts:

•Blocks were used on the masts, as opposed to deadeyes, consistent with its small size.

•One of the masts has fallen to the port side.

3.Centerboard:

•The Centerboard is a key feature, aiding in the identification of the vessel’s construction era and purpose.

4.Deterioration:

•The small Stern cabin and much of the decking are no longer intact, likely due to age and environmental factors.

•Gill nets snagged on the wreck pose potential hazards for divers.

Historical Context

This Schooner likely represents a class of smaller vessels built for inshore trade or short-range transportation during the mid-19th century. Its Centerboard design reflects advancements in shipbuilding during the 1840s, allowing for improved maneuverability in shallow waters such as those found in Lake Erie.

The Schooner is thought to have Foundered in the 1860s, potentially due to a storm, a collision, or another maritime mishap. Without identifying marks or further documentation, its name and story remain unknown.

Diving Conditions

•Visibility: Visibility in Lake Erie can vary depending on weather and seasonal conditions.

•Depth: The site is accessible to intermediate and advanced divers at a depth of 65 feet (21 meters).

•Hazards: Divers should exercise caution due to the snagged gill nets on the wreck and the potential for entanglement.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is largely intact but shows signs of deterioration, consistent with its age and prolonged submersion. While it offers limited artifacts or structural detail, the remaining features, such as the Centerboard and fallen mast, provide insight into the vessel’s design and function. The low profile of the wreck adds to the challenge of locating and exploring it, but it remains a worthwhile dive for those interested in historical Great Lakes vessels.

Resources & Links

1.Great Lakes Shipwreck Research: General resources on unidentified wrecks and small schooners.

2.Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Guidance on responsible diving practices in Lake Erie.

3.NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research: Information on Lake Erie Visibility and water conditions.

Conclusion

This unidentified small Schooner provides a unique glimpse into mid-19th-century maritime commerce on Lake Erie. While its exact history and identity remain unknown, its features—such as the Centerboard and square Stern—offer clues about its construction and use. The presence of gill nets adds a layer of caution for divers, making it both a fascinating and challenging dive site.

Keywords

Unidentified Schooner, Lake Erie shipwreck, 19th-century Schooner, Centerboard vessel, Great Lakes maritime history, shipwreck diving.