ARABIAN (1853)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ARABIAN
Type: Barkentine (originally built as a schooner)
Date of Incident: June 17, 1866
Location: Near Cleveland, Lake Erie
Condition: Total loss due to wrecking in a storm
Dimensions: 90 feet in length, 10 feet in beam, 9 feet in depth
Tonnage: 135 tons

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ARABIAN was originally constructed as a schooner in 1853 in Oakville, Ontario, and later rebuilt as a barkentine in 1866. A barkentine is a sailing vessel with three or more masts, with a square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged main and mizzen masts. The ARABIAN was well-suited for both coastal and trans-lake voyages, primarily engaged in the transportation of bulk cargo such as stone.

HISTORY #

The ARABIAN began its maritime career in 1853 as a schooner, a common and versatile vessel type for Great Lakes trade. Over the years, it changed hands among various owners, reflecting the dynamic nature of the shipping industry during the 19th century. By 1866, the vessel had been converted into a barkentine, a reflection of its adaptation to the evolving demands of lake transport.

On June 17, 1866, under the command and ownership of Captain Bentley Haskins, the ARABIAN was bound for Darlington, Ontario, carrying a cargo of stone blocks from Cleveland. The vessel encountered severe weather conditions on Lake Erie, prompting Captain Haskins to attempt to return to Cleveland for safety. However, as the ARABIAN neared the harbor, the storm worsened, and the vessel was unable to make it to safety.

The ARABIAN was wrecked during its attempt to enter Cleveland harbor, leading to the total loss of the vessel. Tragically, six lives were lost in the incident, marking a somber end to the vessel’s voyage and contributing to the often perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation during that era.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ARABIAN was lost to the storm on June 17, 1866, near Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel was completely destroyed, with no hope of salvage. The wreck remains a part of Lake Erie’s underwater heritage, though specific details of its final resting place have not been well-documented.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the ARABIAN. Mariners navigating near Cleveland should always exercise caution due to the historical prevalence of shipwrecks in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact location of the ARABIAN‘s wreck is not well-documented, and it may not have been precisely located by modern surveys. The story of the vessel’s loss, however, is preserved through maritime records and historical accounts.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources:

Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Maritime History of the Great Lakes
David Swayze Shipwreck File
Great Lakes Ships – Great Lakes Ships
Historical Newspapers – Reports from the 19th century detailing the loss of the ARABIAN.

CONCLUSION #

The story of the ARABIAN is a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Despite being a well-constructed vessel, the ARABIAN was no match for the fierce storm that claimed it and the lives of six crew members. Its loss near Cleveland, Ohio, adds to the rich maritime history of Lake Erie, a body of water that has witnessed countless stories of bravery, tragedy, and the relentless power of nature.