1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The BOXER was a small wooden schooner with two masts and a tonnage of 16 tons, built for general maritime purposes. Schooners of this size were typically used for coastal trade and transport, often carrying small cargoes or engaging in fishing along the Great Lakes. The specific construction details of the BOXER remain unknown, but it likely followed the traditional design of early 19th-century schooners, characterized by a sleek hull for speed and agility.
3. HISTORY #
The BOXER was a wooden schooner that served as a modest workhorse on Lake Erie, likely involved in the transport of goods or other small-scale maritime activities common in the early 19th century. Unfortunately, historical records about the vessel’s construction, ownership, and specific voyages are scarce, making it difficult to piece together a detailed history. This scarcity of information suggests that the BOXER was not a vessel of particular note or fame, which is often the case with smaller, utilitarian ships from this period.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The schooner BOXER met its unfortunate end in 1818 at the mouth of the Grand River in Ohio on Lake Erie. The circumstances surrounding the sinking are not well documented, and there is no detailed account of the event, the conditions that led to it, or the cargo (if any) that the ship might have been carrying. The sinking of the BOXER resulted in the total loss of the vessel, which has since faded into the obscurity of Great Lakes maritime history.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the BOXER, as its exact location remains unidentified and unverified.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the BOXER has not been located. There is no record of any discovery or exploratory dives that have identified the remains of this schooner.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given the lack of precise location data and the small size of the vessel, the current condition of the BOXER is unknown. Without a confirmed wreck site, it is impossible to determine its accessibility for divers or researchers.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
Due to the limited available information, there are no additional resources or references specifically related to the BOXER. Future research in local maritime archives or historical societies might yield further details about this vessel and its final voyage.
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The BOXER’s lack of detailed records highlights a common challenge in maritime history, where many small and utilitarian vessels were not as well-documented as larger or more famous ships. This schooner’s story, while incomplete, still represents a piece of the broader narrative of life and commerce on the Great Lakes during the early 19th century.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
As the wreck of the BOXER has not been located, no specific diving recommendations can be made. However, should the wreck be discovered in the future, divers should be cautious of the potential for silt and debris, as well as the possibility of fragile remnants due to the age of the wreck. It is recommended that any dive to a newly discovered site be conducted with the utmost care to preserve the historical integrity of the wreck.
TAGS #
- Lake Erie
- 19th Century
- Schooner
- Grand River
- Maritime History
CONCLUSION #
The BOXER, a small wooden schooner lost in 1818, remains a largely enigmatic piece of Great Lakes maritime history. With limited records and no confirmed wreck location, it is a reminder of the many ships whose stories have faded with time. Continued interest in Great Lakes shipwrecks may one day bring more details to light about this modest but significant vessel.
