History #
The BRANDYWINE was a wooden schooner that tragically sank in a storm on Lake Erie. Here are the details of its loss:
The specific information regarding the build and specifications of the Brandywine is not provided in the available records.
On November 19, 1842, the Brandywine encountered a severe gale approximately 18 miles west of Buffalo, near Barcelona, New York. The schooner capsized and sank during the storm.
Tragically, all seven individuals on board the Brandywine, including the entire crew and one passenger, lost their lives. The body of one passenger was found in the cabin, but the rest of the crew, consisting of six individuals, disappeared. The vessel was carrying a cargo of 120 barrels of flour at the time of the incident. After sinking, the Brandywine drifted ashore and came to rest on the beach. The local sheriff reportedly watched over the vessel for several days to confirm the fate of the crew.
Historical Note:
There is a mention that a vessel stranded in Buffalo in 1837 is likely the same vessel as the Brandywine. However, the available information does not provide further details regarding this event.
Unfortunately, there is no mention of the Brandywine being recovered, suggesting that the sunken schooner remained in its resting place on the lakebed. The sinking of the Brandywine serves as a reminder of the dangers that vessels faced during storms on Lake Erie in the 19th century.
