CORTLAND U5397

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: COURTLANDT
Type: Bark (Schooner Barge)
Date of Incident: June 21, 1868
Location: Off Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie (Exact coordinates not disclosed)
Depth: 60 feet (20 meters)
Condition: Partially buried in soft mud; significant deterioration likely due to age and impact of the collision

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The COURTLANDT was a wooden-hulled bark built in 1867 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, by A.G. Huntley (Hunter) for owner A.P. Lyman. The vessel was primarily used for bulk freight transportation across the Great Lakes. The COURTLANDT had a single deck, three masts, and was equipped to carry large cargoes such as iron ore or corn.

The vessel measured 195 feet in overall length, 34 feet 6 inches in beam, and 13 feet 6 inches in depth, with a gross tonnage of 676.13 tons. These dimensions made the COURTLANDT a sizable vessel for its time, capable of handling significant cargo loads.

HISTORY #

The COURTLANDT had a brief but active service life on the Great Lakes. Launched in 1867, the vessel quickly became an essential part of the regional shipping industry, transporting bulk goods between ports.

On June 21, 1868, while en route from Escanaba, Michigan, to Cleveland, Ohio, carrying a cargo of iron ore or corn, the COURTLANDT collided with the sidewheeler Morning Star off the coast of Lorain, Ohio. The collision was catastrophic, leading to the sinking of both vessels. The COURTLANDT was severely damaged and sank into the soft mud at the bottom of Lake Erie.

Despite rescue efforts, several lives were lost in the tragic incident. Survivors were rescued by the steamer R.N. Rice. The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but the incident highlighted the dangers of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during this period.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

After the sinking of the COURTLANDT, salvage operations were initiated to recover valuable items from the wreck. Captain W.B. Scott of Cleveland was contracted to oversee the salvage efforts. Initial attempts focused on removing rigging, sails, and other salvageable property, which were valued at approximately $2,000.

However, the salvage operation encountered significant challenges. The COURTLANDT was found to be nearly on its side, embedded in several feet of soft mud, with the mud covering its bulwarks. Due to the vessel’s position and the difficulty in accessing the wreck, further salvage work was eventually abandoned.

The wreck of the COURTLANDT remains partially buried in the soft mud of Lake Erie, its exact location undisclosed to protect the site. The vessel’s final resting place serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners during the 19th century.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. However, mariners and divers should be cautious when navigating or exploring the area, as the wreck may pose hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck was reported shortly after the sinking in 1868. The site is known to maritime historians and has been documented in various historical records, though the exact coordinates remain undisclosed to protect the integrity of the site.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the COURTLANDT lies in 60 feet of water, partially buried in soft mud. The vessel’s position and the extensive burial make it challenging to access, and the site is likely in a state of advanced deterioration. The wreck is not widely accessible due to the undisclosed location and the condition of the remains. However, it remains an important historical site, offering insights into the maritime history of the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and newspaper archives from the period.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The COURTLANDT’s sinking on June 21, 1868, is a tragic chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The vessel’s brief service life, coupled with its catastrophic collision with the Morning Star, underscores the inherent risks of maritime transport during the 19th century. The wreck, now partially buried and largely inaccessible, remains a significant historical artifact, serving as a testament to the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners.