Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Trade Wind was a wooden-hulled barkentine, a type of sailing ship with three masts. Built in 1853 in Stoney Creek, New York, it was a vessel designed for the transportation of heavy cargo. With a tonnage of 366, it was a robust vessel suited for the demands of the Great Lakes, particularly in the transportation of goods such as railroad iron and other industrial materials.
History #
The Trade Wind had a brief but eventful history, marked by collisions and challenges typical of mid-19th century maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Below is a chronological overview of its operational history:
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1853: The Trade Wind was constructed in Stoney Creek, New York, and began its service as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes. Shortly after its launch, on October 6, 1853, it was involved in a collision with the schooner Citizenoff Barcelona in Lake Erie. This incident was an early indication of the challenges the vessel would face during its short operational life.
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1854: By this time, the Trade Wind had come under the ownership of H. Walker & Company of Buffalo, New York. The vessel continued to be a workhorse on the lakes, transporting various cargoes across the region.
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November 29, 1854: During a severe snowstorm, the Trade Wind collided with the brig Charles Napier near Long Point in Lake Erie. The impact of the collision was catastrophic, causing the Trade Wind to sink along with its cargo of railroad iron, stoves, and lifeboats. Despite the harsh weather conditions and the severity of the collision, the crew of the Trade Wind managed to survive.
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November 30, 1854: The crew, using two government lifeboats that were part of the ship’s cargo, successfully escaped the sinking vessel. They spent two days adrift on the open waters of Lake Erie before finally reaching safety on shore. Their survival is a testament to their resilience and quick thinking in the face of danger.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: November 30, 1854
- Cause of Loss: Collision with the brig Charles Napier during a snowstorm
- Crew: All crew members survived
- Final Cargo: Railroad iron, stoves, lifeboats
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Barkentine
- Lake Erie
- 19th Century Vessel
- Maritime History
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Trade Wind
- Collision
- Snowstorm
Conclusion #
The Trade Wind‘s short-lived career on the Great Lakes is a reminder of the perils faced by 19th-century sailors and their vessels. Despite being a well-constructed barkentine, the Trade Wind could not withstand the violent collision and the subsequent snowstorm that sealed its fate near Long Point in Lake Erie. The loss of the Trade Wind also underscores the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes during the harsh winter months, where unpredictable weather could quickly turn a routine voyage into a life-threatening situation.
The survival of the crew, who braved the elements in lifeboats for two days before reaching safety, highlights the courage and resourcefulness of seafarers of the time. Their story, like many others from the era, contributes to the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, reminding us of the risks undertaken by those who worked on these inland seas.
