ADVANCE 29091

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ADVANCE
Type: Scow Schooner
Date of Incident: July 12, 1871
Location: Near Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Lake Erie
Coordinates: (Exact coordinates not provided)
Depth: Not specified
Condition: The wreck remains of the ADVANCE likely rest at the bottom of Lake Erie, following the collision that led to its sinking.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ADVANCE was a scow schooner, a type of flat-bottomed vessel commonly used for transporting cargo on the Great Lakes. Built in 1867 in Fairport, Ohio, by R. Hayes, the vessel had a wooden hull, one deck, and two masts. The ADVANCE had a gross tonnage of 49 tons, making it a relatively small vessel compared to other schooners of its time. The scow schooner was designed for stability and ease of loading, particularly in shallow waters.

HISTORY #

The ADVANCE had a brief but eventful career on the Great Lakes:

1867: The vessel was constructed in Fairport, Ohio, and enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio. It was primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes, including coal.
1871: On July 12, while near Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Lake Erie, the ADVANCE was involved in a collision with the steamer US GRANT. The collision was severe enough to cause the ADVANCE to sink. Despite the rapid sinking, the crew managed to escape the vessel without loss of life. The ADVANCE was carrying a cargo of coal at the time of the collision.

The incident marked the end of the ADVANCE‘s service, as the vessel was lost following the collision. Ownership of the ADVANCE had changed over the years, with the last known owners being Gallucia & Barnes, based in Fairport, Ohio.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ADVANCE was lost following its collision with the US GRANT and sank in Lake Erie near Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island. The wreck likely remains at the bottom of the lake, marking the site of its final voyage. The exact location and condition of the wreck are not documented, making it a potential site of interest for maritime historians and divers.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. Mariners and divers should be aware of the historical significance of the area near Put-in-Bay and exercise caution when exploring potential wreck sites.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the ADVANCE was documented following its sinking in 1871. The exact coordinates and condition of the wreck are not specified, and the site has not been officially located or documented in modern times.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The current condition of the ADVANCE‘s wreck is unknown. As a wooden scow schooner that sank in 1871, it is likely that the vessel has deteriorated significantly over time. The wreck site, if located, may offer insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and the challenges faced by small cargo vessels on the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and shipwreck databases.
Further Reading:
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File

CONCLUSION #

The ADVANCE was a small but significant vessel in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Built in 1867, the scow schooner served as a cargo transporter before its untimely end in 1871 following a collision with the steamer US GRANT. The incident near Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, highlights the dangers faced by vessels navigating the busy waters of Lake Erie. The wreck of the ADVANCE, if located, would serve as a valuable artifact of this period in Great Lakes shipping history.