The Washington Irving was a sturdy wooden two-masted schooner measuring 81 feet in length, which tragically met its fate in a violent storm on July 7, 1860, off the coast of Dunkirk, New York. The vessel, laden with a cargo of coal and pig iron, was en route from Erie to Buffalo when it succumbed to the unforgiving forces of the tempestuous waters. The storm’s ferocity proved too much for the Washington Irving, causing it to sink to the depths below.
The shipwreck claimed the lives of its entire crew, comprising six brave souls who valiantly battled the elements in a desperate attempt to survive. Despite their efforts, they were unable to escape the clutches of the treacherous storm, leaving behind a tragic and somber legacy.
Now resting on the bottom of Lake Erie, the wreck of the Washington Irving serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and mariners in the 19th century. It remains a memorial to the courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives on that fateful day. Over the years, the shipwreck has become a site of interest for divers and history enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to explore and pay tribute to the brave crew who faced the perils of the Great Lakes.
