IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Sultan was a brig, a two-masted sailing vessel with square rigging on both masts. Originally built in Chicago in 1847 or 1848, the Sultan was a robust ship designed for freight transport across the Great Lakes. Brigs like the Sultan were popular during the mid-19th century for their versatility and ability to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The vessel was later rebuilt in 1863 in Buffalo, which likely extended its service life until its tragic demise.
HISTORY #
The Sultan had a long and storied history, beginning its life in Chicago around 1847 or 1848. After many years of service, it was rebuilt in Buffalo in 1863, ensuring it could continue to operate in the competitive shipping routes of the Great Lakes. On September 27, 1864, while en route from Cleveland to Buffalo, the Sultan encountered a severe gale off the coast of Euclid, approximately 8 miles from Cleveland. The storm proved too much for the brig, and it was wrecked, resulting in a total loss.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
During the disaster, three crew members—Monroe Ellsworth, Barney Carrol, and Stephen Johnson—attempted to escape the sinking vessel by using a small boat. Tragically, only the bodies of Monroe Ellsworth and Barney Carrol were recovered near the scene of the disaster. The body of Stephen Johnson was later found by the propeller ship Granite State and brought to the city for burial. The wreck of the Sultan was considered a total loss, and the remains of the ship were likely scattered across the lakebed.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are in effect for this wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- The wreck site has not been specifically located, and there are no GPS coordinates available for divers.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Due to the nature of the wreck and its age, the current condition of the Sultan is unknown. The wreck is presumed to be in poor condition and scattered, given the severity of the storm and the time that has passed since the incident. The site is not known to be accessible for diving.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Additional historical records may be available in archives related to shipwrecks on Lake Erie.
TAGS #
- Sultan
- Euclid
- Brig
- Shipwreck
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Lake Erie
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the Sultan highlights the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather could turn a routine voyage into a disaster. The loss of the Sultan, along with the lives of her crew members, remains a poignant reminder of the region’s maritime history and the bravery of those who sailed these challenging waters.
