ATLANTIC

3 min read

ATLANTIC

The Ill-Fated Steamer That Rests at the Bottom of Lake Erie #

The story of the ATLANTIC, a steamer that sailed the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century, is one of tragedy, loss, and ongoing legal battles. Built in 1848, the ship quickly gained a reputation for its speed and luxury, but its fate took a devastating turn on August 20, 1852, when it collided with another vessel, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. Since then, the ATLANTIC has become a subject of interest for salvagers, divers, and legal disputes. This article delves into the history of the ATLANTIC, the events surrounding its sinking, and the subsequent attempts to salvage the wreckage.

A Palatial Steamer: #

The ATLANTIC was a sidewheel steamer constructed in 1848 by John L. Wolverton in Newport (Marine City), Michigan. Owned by E.B. Ward of Detroit, the ship boasted impressive dimensions, measuring 265.7 feet in length, 33 feet in beam, and 13.6 feet in depth. It had two decks and was powered by a 60″ x 132″ Hogg & Delamater beam engine from New York City. The steamer was equipped with two 10′ x 34′ boilers and featured 32-foot diameter wheels. With its luxurious amenities and reputation for speed, the ATLANTIC quickly became a popular choice for passengers traversing the Great Lakes.

Tragedy Strikes: #

On August 20, 1852, tragedy befell the ATLANTIC. While carrying approximately 600 passengers, mostly immigrants, the ship collided with the propeller freighter OGDENSBURG. The impact caused the ATLANTIC to sink rapidly, with only a few moments to spare before it disappeared beneath the waters of Lake Erie. The collision extinguished the steamer’s fires, exacerbating the chaos and loss of life.

The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, as the passenger manifest was lost with the ship. Estimates range from 150 to 250 lives lost in the disaster. The sinking of the ATLANTIC shocked the public and sent shockwaves throughout the Great Lakes region.

Salvage Attempts and Legal Battles: #

In the aftermath of the sinking, multiple salvage attempts were made to recover the ATLANTIC and its valuable cargo. In 1853, owner E.B. Ward sued the owners of the OGDENSBURG, seeking compensation for the loss of the steamer. That same year, inventor Lodner Phillips attempted a salvage dive using an experimental submarine, but the sub was lost during a test dive. It was possibly recovered in 1991.

Efforts to salvage the ATLANTIC continued in subsequent years. In 1854, a boiler was successfully raised by Isa Coffin, and in 1856, diver Elliot P. Harrington recovered the ship’s safe. However, the majority of the ship and its cargo remained at the bottom of Lake Erie.

The legal battles surrounding the ownership of the ATLANTIC began to unfold in the 1990s. Various parties, including Mar Dive Corp., a U.S. company, and Canadian diver Michael Fletcher, laid claim to the wreck. The Ontario government also asserted its jurisdiction over the wreckage. Court cases ensued, with arguments centered around salvage rights, ownership, and jurisdiction.

Closing thoughts: #

The ATLANTIC’s ill-fated journey serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by 19th-century steamers and the human lives affected by maritime disasters. While the ship rests at the bottom of Lake Erie, it continues to capture the imagination of salvagers, divers, and historians. The legal battles over ownership and salvage rights