Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: ARCTIC
• Type: Schooner (originally 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; unclear recovery efforts

Vessel Type Description

The ARCTIC was initially constructed as a Bark in 1858, utilizing the Hull of the Steamer WELLAND. Built by Arch Muir in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, the vessel transitioned to a Schooner in 1860, reflecting a common practice of adapting vessels to meet changing trade demands. Schooners like the ARCTIC were ideal for transporting bulk cargo such as timber, grain, and general goods across the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Early Service

The ARCTIC was launched in 1858, entering service during a boom in Great Lakes commerce. The vessel played a crucial role in transporting timber and other goods across Lake Erie and neighboring waters. Over the decades, it underwent significant rebuilds in 1870, 1881, and 1890, which highlights its durability and importance to its owners.

Final Voyage and Incident

On July 9, 1896, the ARCTIC departed Providence Bay, Ontario, carrying a cargo of cedar posts bound for Buffalo, New York. The Schooner encountered a severe storm while crossing Lake Erie. Despite anchoring and operating pumps, the crew could not prevent the vessel from taking on water.

In desperation, two crew members attempted to reach the shore using the ship’s Yawl but tragically drowned. The remaining crew members were rescued by a Buffalo lifesaving crew. The ARCTIC, overwhelmed by the storm, sank near Buffalo.

Final Disposition

The ARCTIC sank during the storm, and the fate of its wreck remains ambiguous. There is no definitive record of salvage or recovery, making it likely that the vessel was left to rest on the lakebed. The loss was particularly tragic due to the two crew fatalities, further underscoring the peril of Great Lakes storms.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The ARCTIC’s wreck site has not been definitively located or documented in modern times. It is presumed to remain in deeper waters near Buffalo, New York. While there are no active navigational hazards reported, divers and surveyors should approach the area cautiously.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) relate specifically to the ARCTIC. However, mariners in the Buffalo area should remain vigilant for submerged hazards typical of wreck sites in Lake Erie.

Resources & Links

1.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive data on Great Lakes wrecks.

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Archive.

Conclusion

The story of the ARCTIC is emblematic of the challenges faced by 19th-century sailors navigating the Great Lakes. Its transition from Bark to Schooner, its multiple rebuilds, and its ultimate loss during a fierce storm reflect both the vessel’s resilience and the inherent dangers of Great Lakes shipping. The ARCTIC’s wreck, though largely undocumented, remains a significant part of the maritime history of Lake Erie, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of commerce and navigation.

Keywords

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