Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Coaster was a two-masted wooden schooner, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes for transporting goods. It was relatively small, with a modest tonnage, making it suitable for short-haul trips and coastal trading. Schooners like the Coaster were vital to the regional economy, particularly in the mid to late 19th century.
History #
The Coaster was constructed in 1861 in Conneaut, Ohio, by S.C. Blodgett, under the supervision of Master Carpenter Smith. The vessel was initially enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, in the same year. Throughout its operational life, the Coasterunderwent various changes in ownership and enrollment. It was registered in Toledo, Ohio, from 1862 to 1868 and later in Chatham, Ontario, with the official number C71110.
In 1869, there was an incident where a vessel named Coaster capsized in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, but it was subsequently recovered. It is unclear whether this was the same vessel or another with the same name.
By 1870, the Coaster was owned by Charles Beauvais of Swan Creek, Michigan. In 1879, the vessel was remeasured, and its gross tonnage was recorded as 31.67 tons, with its length noted as 60 feet, a slight increase from its original dimensions.
Final Voyage and Wreck #
On October 17, 1880, the Coaster met its tragic end while sailing on Lake Erie off Point Pelee, Ontario. The vessel encountered a severe storm that caused it to strand and wreck. Despite the crew’s efforts, the vessel could not be saved and eventually broke up on November 4, 1880. The exact details of the loss, including whether there was any loss of life or cargo, remain unclear.
Following the wreck, the vessel’s registry was officially closed on November 10, 1880.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: October 17, 1880 (Broke up on November 4, 1880)
- Cause of Loss: Stranded and wrecked in a storm
- Salvage Operations: None reported
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Schooner
- Point Pelee
- Lake Erie
- Maritime History
- Storm
Conclusion #
The Coaster‘s loss is a testament to the dangers faced by small trading vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly in the unpredictable and often treacherous waters near Point Pelee. Despite its modest size, the Coaster played a vital role in the regional trade network of the 19th century. Its eventual demise in a storm highlights the perils that mariners faced daily as they navigated these inland seas.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research
- D. O. T. Register
- “COASTER (1861, Scow Schooner)
