- Schooner
- 161ft 51m
- Visible on shore
- Dunkirk NY
- Lake Erie
The schooner Golden Fleece encountered a series of unfortunate events that led to its ultimate loss. On October 16, 1890, the vessel ran ashore near Dunkirk after its anchors were let go off Van Buren Point during a severe gale. The crew was not believed to be in danger, and assistance was dispatched from the U.S. Revenue Cutter Perry, captained by Williams of the Life-saving crew. However, despite efforts to salvage the Golden Fleece, it was reported on October 17, 1890, that the vessel was a total loss and was being stripped.
In subsequent months and years, various attempts were made to release the schooner from its stranded position. Wrecker Reid was involved in the salvage operations, but progress was slow. Reports on June 25, 1891, stated that there were no indications of the boat being brought into port soon. The wrecking tug Seagull was also involved in the salvage efforts, as reported on September 29, 1891. However, Reid eventually gave up the attempt to dredge a channel and pull the schooner into deep water. Several heavy lines were parted during the process, and it was decided that the Golden Fleece would spend another winter on the beach.
By October 20, 1891, it was confirmed that the Golden Fleece would remain in the sand at Dunkirk throughout the winter, as Captain Reed stated that no further work would be done until spring.
The Golden Fleece, registered as U.S. Official Number 10197, was a schooner with a history dating back to its launch in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1862. It underwent various rebuilds and changes in rigging over the years. The vessel measured 161.75 feet in length, 31.16 feet in width, and had a depth of 13.00 feet. It had three masts and had a gross tonnage of 609.56. The Golden Fleece was primarily involved in the grain trade and operated between Chicago and Lake Erie ports.
Despite its long and eventful history, the Golden Fleece met its final demise on October 17, 1890, when it ran aground near Dunkirk. Efforts to salvage the vessel proved unsuccessful, and it was ultimately surrendered and considered a loss.
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