IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Carlingford was a wooden-hulled schooner built in 1869 in Port Huron, Michigan. It was a single-deck vessel with three masts, with spars measuring 94, 96, and 98 feet respectively. The schooner had a length of 154.7 feet, a beam of 31.1 feet, and a depth of 12.3 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 470, allowing it to carry up to 30,000 bushels of cargo.
HISTORY #
The Carlingford’s storied history began in August 1869 when it was launched and subsequently enrolled in Port Huron, Michigan, on September 7 under the ownership of Robert Montgomery of Buffalo, New York. Not long after its launch, the Carlingford sank near the Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan. Fortunately, it was salvaged and completely rebuilt in 1870.
Over the years, the Carlingford experienced several ownership changes and incidents. By 1871, it was owned by Harrison & McKibbin of Buffalo, New York, and later by Mericle of Dunkirk, New York, in 1876 and 1879. The vessel continued to face challenges; it stranded on Horseshoe Reef near Buffalo, New York, in 1879, leading to another rebuild in 1880.
In October 1881, the Carlingford was chartered for a significant cargo assignment, transporting 30 flat cars and one locomotive with a tender from Duluth to Port Arthur. However, this would be one of its last voyages.
On November 12, 1881, the Carlingford met its tragic end. While sailing 12 miles off Dunkirk, New York, on Lake Erie, the schooner collided with the iron steam barge Brunswick. The collision was caused by confusion in passing signals between the two vessels, leading to both ships sinking. The Carlingford’s wreckage remained at the collision site, marking the end of its operational history.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Carlingford now lies at the bottom of Lake Erie, near Port Dover, at a depth of approximately 105 feet. The wreck is a testament to the hazards of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century and is a poignant reminder of the vessel’s long and eventful history.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Carlingford was identified and documented by maritime historians and diving enthusiasts who continue to explore and study the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- Safety Considerations: Divers exploring the Carlingford should be aware of the wreck’s depth, which is around 105 feet, making it suitable for experienced divers. Proper buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the wreck site and to ensure the safety of divers.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
- Sea-View Imaging: Website
- Save Ontario Shipwrecks Buoy Status: Website
- Niagara Divers Association: Website
- The New York Times: Website
- Niagara This Week: Website
- 3D Shipwrecks Model: Website
- Video Facebook Watch: Website
CONCLUSION #
The Carlingford’s history is one of resilience and tragedy, from its early years facing the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes to its final, ill-fated collision in 1881. The wreck now serves as a dive site for those looking to explore a piece of maritime history, offering a glimpse into the past and the challenges faced by 19th-century sailors.
KEYWORDS #
Carlingford, Schooner, Lake Erie, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Dunkirk, Great Lakes, Port Dover, Robert Montgomery, Brunswick Collision, 19th Century Shipping, Diving, Underwater Archaeology