IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The vessel in question is a small 23-foot sailboat, a typical recreational craft used for sailing on inland and coastal waters. Such sailboats are often used for personal recreation, day trips, or short cruising, equipped with basic amenities and designed for ease of handling.
HISTORY: #
The incident involving this 23-foot sailboat was recorded on February 4, 1986. However, the sinking itself occurred much earlier, as indicated by the reference to LNM (Local Notice to Mariners) 72/75, dated September 10, 1975. This suggests that the sailboat sank in Lake Erie around that time. The exact circumstances surrounding the sinking are not detailed in the available records, leaving the reasons for the incident unclear.
The precise cause of the sinking remains unknown, but given the small size of the vessel, it is possible that adverse weather conditions, equipment failure, or navigational errors contributed to the incident. The lack of specific survey requirements suggests that the wreck has not been a significant concern for navigation, possibly due to its small size and limited impact on larger vessels.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The 23-foot sailboat sank at the specified coordinates in Lake Erie, approximately at latitude 42° 00′ 00″ N and longitude 80° 31′ 00″ W. The vessel is likely to have settled on the lakebed, but the depth and exact condition of the wreck are not documented. No recovery or salvage operations have been reported, and the wreck remains at its final resting place.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this sailboat wreck. The lack of specific survey requirements suggests that the wreck is not considered a significant hazard to navigation in the area.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The incident was recorded on February 4, 1986, but the sinking itself occurred around September 10, 1975. The details were likely noted during routine updates to maritime records, with no subsequent surveys or explorations documented.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The current condition of the wreck is not detailed, and the sailboat likely lies in relatively shallow water, given the nature of Lake Erie. Without specific survey requirements, it is presumed that the wreck is not actively monitored or considered for diving or research purposes.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
Tags: #
- #LakeErie
- #SailboatWreck
- #MaritimeIncident
- #SmallCraft
- #ShipwreckResearch
Conclusion: #
The sinking of this 23-foot sailboat in Lake Erie in 1975 remains a minor but notable event in the region’s maritime history. Although the details surrounding the incident are sparse, the record serves as a reminder of the risks that even small recreational vessels can face on large bodies of water. The wreck, though not extensively surveyed or documented, continues to rest on the lakebed, a silent witness to the challenges of sailing on Lake Erie.
