ARTIC (built on the hull of the steamer WELLAND)(1858)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ARCTIC
Type: Schooner (originally built as a bark)
Date of Incident: July 9, 1896
Location: Near Buffalo, Lake Erie
Dimensions: 130 feet in length, 21 feet in beam, 8 feet in depth
Tonnage: 265 tons
Condition: Sank during a storm; partial loss with unclear recovery efforts

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ARCTIC began its life as a bark built on the hull of the steamer WELLAND in 1858. Constructed by Arch Muir in Port Dalhousie, the vessel was originally designed as a sailing bark with a wooden hull. Over its long career, the ARCTIC underwent multiple rebuilds and significant repairs, transitioning from a bark to a schooner in 1860. The vessel’s design and adaptability allowed it to serve various purposes, including transporting goods such as cedar posts.

HISTORY #

The ARCTIC had a storied history, reflecting the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. Built in 1858, the vessel was a part of the bustling maritime activities in the region, initially serving as a bark before being converted into a schooner just two years later. The ARCTIC measured 130 feet in length, with a beam of 21 feet and a depth of 8 feet, making it a medium-sized cargo vessel typical of the era.

Throughout its service life, the ARCTIC was involved in various operations on the Great Lakes, particularly in the transportation of timber and other goods. The ship underwent several significant rebuilds and repairs, particularly in 1870, 1881, and 1890, which speaks to its resilience and the investment made by its owners to keep it seaworthy.

The vessel’s final journey began at Providence Bay, Ontario, destined for Buffalo, New York, with a cargo of cedar posts. However, on July 9, 1896, the ARCTIC encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. Despite the crew’s best efforts to anchor the ship and operate the pumps, the vessel began to take on water at an alarming rate. In a desperate attempt to save themselves, two crew members tried to reach the shore using the schooner’s small yawl, but tragically, they lost their lives in the process.

The remaining crew members were eventually rescued by a lifesaving crew from Buffalo, but the ARCTIC itself was lost to the storm. The exact details of whether the vessel was considered a total loss or if there were any recovery attempts remain unclear, although it is likely that the ship was not salvaged given the severity of the damage and the loss of life.

The ARCTIC was owned by Captain Sidley, who had strong connections to St. Catharines. This connection, along with the vessel’s extensive service record, highlights the significant role the ARCTIC played in the local maritime industry throughout its nearly four decades of operation.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ARCTIC sank during a fierce storm on July 9, 1896, near Buffalo, Lake Erie. Two crew members perished while attempting to reach shore. The vessel’s ultimate fate remains somewhat ambiguous, with no clear record of its recovery or declaration as a total loss. However, given the circumstances and the loss of life, it is likely that the ARCTIC was left to the depths of Lake Erie.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the ARCTIC wreck site. Mariners and divers in the area should exercise general caution due to the potential hazards associated with underwater wreckage.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the ARCTIC has not been prominently documented in modern times, and it is unclear if the site has been definitively located by divers or surveyors. The details of its location may remain hidden in the deeper waters of Lake Erie near Buffalo.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources:

David Swayze Shipwreck File
Maritime History of the Great Lakes

CONCLUSION #

The ARCTIC serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, particularly during the volatile weather conditions that often plagued these waters. The vessel’s long service life, multiple rebuilds, and ultimate demise reflect the broader history of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. The loss of the ARCTICand its crew members adds a chapter to the rich tapestry of stories that make up the maritime heritage of Lake Erie.