Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Unidentified Hull – Schooner is a wooden two-masted schooner that lies on the bottom of Lake Erie near Port Dover. The vessel, though relatively small at 75 feet in length, was typical of the schooners that sailed the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries, transporting various goods across the region. The wreck shows signs of fire damage, which may have contributed to its sinking.
History #
The history of this Unidentified Hull – Schooner remains largely unknown due to the lack of records or identifying features. The vessel likely served in the regional trade on the Great Lakes, ferrying goods between ports such as Port Dover and others along Lake Erie’s coastlines. Schooners like this were the workhorses of their time, essential for moving cargo before the advent of larger steamships and modern transport methods.
The schooner now rests on a silt bottom at a depth of 105 feet, listing slightly to starboard. This listing, combined with the clear water conditions often found at the site, allows divers to view the entire wreck from the descent line. The wreck’s location and condition suggest it has been preserved well, with minimal disturbance apart from the noted fire damage.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: Not specified
- Cause of Loss: Likely fire (indicated by fire damage on the wreck)
- Crew: Not specified
- Salvage Operations: None reported
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Schooner
- Lake Erie
- Port Dover
- 19th Century Vessel
- Maritime History
- Fire Damage
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
Conclusion #
The Unidentified Hull – Schooner near Port Dover is a silent testament to the rich maritime history of Lake Erie. Resting at 105 feet with its wooden structure still intact, the schooner provides an intriguing glimpse into the past for divers and historians alike. The fire damage evident on the wreck hints at the vessel’s dramatic end, though much about its story remains shrouded in mystery.
This wreck, preserved in the cold, clear waters of Lake Erie, is an important archaeological site, offering insights into the construction, use, and eventual fate of the schooners that once dominated Great Lakes trade. Further exploration and research may one day reveal more about this vessel’s identity and the events leading up to its sinking.
