IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Atlantic was a grand sidewheel steamer specifically designed for passenger transportation on the Great Lakes. Capable of carrying up to 800 passengers, the Atlantic operated primarily between Buffalo, New York, and Detroit, Michigan, linking major railroad terminuses. The vessel was a significant player in Great Lakes transportation during the mid-19th century, known for its size and speed.
HISTORY #
Launched in 1848, the Atlantic was one of the largest and most luxurious steamers of its time on the Great Lakes. The vessel served the bustling route between Buffalo and Detroit, playing a crucial role in moving passengers and cargo across Lake Erie.
The Fateful Night #
On August 20, 1852, tragedy struck the Atlantic in the early morning hours when it collided with the steamer Ogdensburg. The collision occurred roughly 20 miles from Long Point, Ontario, creating a massive hole below the Atlantic‘s waterline on the port side. Despite both vessels initially continuing their courses, it soon became apparent that the Atlantic was critically damaged.
The captain of the Atlantic attempted to steer the ship toward the shore, but the vessel quickly began to sink bow-first. The crew of the Ogdensburg, hearing the screams of those aboard the Atlantic, turned back and managed to rescue approximately 250 survivors. Tragically, more than 300 passengers lost their lives in the disaster.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the Atlantic remains on the lakebed of Lake Erie, near Long Point, in approximately 150 feet (50 meters) of water. The vessel rests in a broken condition, with its stern partially intact and the bow heavily damaged. Despite the efforts of the Ogdensburg‘s crew to save as many lives as possible, the collision led to one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Lake Erie’s history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the wreck of the Atlantic. Divers should consult with local authorities and ensure they have the appropriate permissions before attempting to explore the site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- Discovery: The wreck of the Atlantic has been known to local authorities and divers for many years. It remains a popular site for exploration due to its historical significance and the relatively intact condition of portions of the wreck.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The Atlantic wreck is in a deteriorated state, with sections of the hull collapsed or buried in the lakebed. However, the site still provides an intriguing dive opportunity, offering a glimpse into a tragic chapter of Great Lakes history. Divers should be aware of the depth and the challenges posed by cold water and limited visibility.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
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Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource covering the history of ships and shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, including detailed records of the Atlantic and other significant vessels.
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Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation: Offers information on the exploration, documentation, and preservation of shipwrecks across the Great Lakes, including dive sites and historical context.
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National Museum of the Great Lakes: This museum provides extensive exhibits and archives dedicated to the maritime history of the Great Lakes, including shipwrecks like the Atlantic.
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NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: NOAA provides data and research on environmental conditions in the Great Lakes, which are critical for understanding the context of shipwrecks like the Atlantic.
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Dive Erie: A diving resource specific to Lake Erie, offering information on wreck sites, diving conditions, and safety guidelines for exploring shipwrecks.
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Buffalo Daily Republic: Historical accounts and eyewitness testimonies related to the collision and sinking of the Atlantic.
PICTURES #
KEYWORDS #
Atlantic, Lake Erie, Sidewheel Steamer, Shipwreck, Great Lakes Maritime History, Ogdensburg Collision, 19th Century Shipwrecks, Passenger Vessel Disaster, Maritime Tragedy.
CONCLUSION #
The tragic sinking of the Atlantic on August 20, 1852, remains one of the most significant maritime disasters in Lake Erie’s history. The loss of over 300 lives, despite the rescue efforts of the Ogdensburg‘s crew, underscores the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The Atlantic‘s story is a somber reminder of the unpredictability of the Great Lakes and the fragility of life at sea.
Today, the wreck of the Atlantic serves as a poignant historical site, attracting divers and historians alike who seek to understand and remember the events of that fateful night. The vessel’s final resting place off Long Point is a silent witness to the tragedy, preserved beneath the waters of Lake Erie as a testament to the perils of maritime travel in the era of steam.
