ATLANTIC

Chronological History

The Atlantic holds a significant place in history as one of the most notable shipwrecks in Lake Erie. This grand sidewheeler was specifically designed to transport up to 800 passengers from Buffalo’s New York Central Railroad terminus to the Michigan Central in Detroit. Impressive in size, the Atlantic measured 267 feet in length, with a beam of 33 feet and a depth of 12 feet 7 inches.

Tragedy struck in the early hours of August 20, 1852, when the 275-foot steamer Ogdensburg collided with the Atlantic. The impact created a substantial hole below the waterline on the Atlantic’s port side. The vessels separated and continued their courses, but it soon became apparent that the Atlantic had sustained severe damage. The captain made an effort to steer the sinking ship toward the shore, but it began to sink bow-first. Around two miles away, the Ogdensburg crew could hear the terrified screams of those on board the Atlantic. Responding to the distress, the Ogdensburg turned back and rescued approximately 250 survivors. Tragically, over 300 passengers lost their lives.

News accounts from the Buffalo Daily Republic provide further details regarding the incident. An inquest was conducted, and the officers of the Ogdensburg testified about the events leading up to the collision. De Grass McNeil, the First Mate of the propeller Ogdensburg, described the sequence of events, stating that they initially intended to pass approximately half a mile south of the Atlantic. However, the Atlantic altered its course and veered across the Ogdensburg’s path. The Ogdensburg’s engines were stopped, but with the collision becoming imminent, they attempted to back up and turn the wheel to avoid impact. Unfortunately, the Atlantic, traveling at full speed, collided with the Ogdensburg on the port side between the forward gangway and the wheelhouse.

The Ogdensburg crew immediately realized the severity of the situation. Despite the absence of distress signals or audible alarms from the Atlantic, they proceeded to aid the sinking ship. They heard the cries of people onboard and in the water as they approached. In approximately an hour, the Ogdensburg reached the Atlantic, whose bow had already submerged, while the stern remained visible. They rescued all the individuals who had stayed on the Atlantic until their arrival. The crew’s boats were also engaged in rescuing those in the water. They estimated that they saved around 200 people from the Atlantic and an additional 100 from the lake. When they left the scene, the Atlantic remained in the same position.

In subsequent news from the Buffalo Daily Republic, it was reported that the Ogdensburg underwent repairs for the damages it sustained. By Saturday morning, it was deemed fit to depart Erie and resumed its journey to Ogdensburg. The vessel was later observed in the Welland Canal on Sunday.

The sinking of the Atlantic remains a tragic event in maritime history, leaving an indelible mark on Lake Erie’s past.