ACME U297

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: ACME
Coordinates: Approximately 15 miles northeast of Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie N42.844967 -78.96395
Depth: 225 feet (69 meters)
Wreck Type: Wooden Propeller Steamer
Length: 190 feet (58 meters)
Built: 1856, G. Hardison, Buffalo, New York
Final Voyage: November 5, 1867
Condition: Sunk stern-first in deep water, largely intact

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ACME was a wooden propeller steamer built in 1856 by G. Hardison in Buffalo, New York. The vessel measured 190 feet in length, 33 feet in beam, and 13 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 762. Primarily used as a passenger and package freight carrier, the ACME was a significant vessel of its time, capable of transporting a variety of cargoes across the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

The ACME had a relatively long service life before meeting its tragic end in 1867. Built in 1856, the vessel underwent major repairs in 1863, which ensured its continued seaworthiness. Owned by the Western Transportation Company, the ACME was valued at $45,000 and insured for $33,000 across various insurance companies. Rated as B 1, the ship was in good condition at the time of its final voyage.

On November 5, 1867, the ACME was caught in a violent storm while carrying a large cargo that included 7,307 bushels of corn, 2,165 barrels of flour, and various other goods such as beef, lard, and untanned cowhides. As the storm intensified, the vessel began taking on water. Recognizing the danger, Captain William Dickson ordered the crew to abandon ship. The crew escaped in lifeboats, with two boats reaching the New York coast near Dunkirk and Silver Creek, while the third was rescued by the revenue cutter COMMODORE PERRY. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the crew.

The ACME foundered 15 miles northeast of Dunkirk, New York, sinking stern-first in deep water. The ship’s sinking was part of a broader catastrophe, as the same storm caused significant damage to other vessels on Lake Erie, including the brig GEN. WORTH and the schooner SUPPLY.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ACME’s sinking stands as a testament to the merciless nature of Lake Erie storms. The ship now rests at a depth of 225 feet, lying stern-first on the lakebed. The wreck remains largely intact, providing a poignant underwater site that reflects the dangers faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes during that era.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to this wreck site.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck site has been identified and explored by divers, though specific details on its discovery date are not readily available.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The ACME lies in deep water, approximately 225 feet beneath the surface of Lake Erie. The wreck is largely intact and offers a fascinating dive site for advanced divers equipped for deep diving. Due to the depth, it is recommended only for those with experience in technical diving. Visibility in Lake Erie can vary, so checking local conditions before diving is essential.

EXTERNAL LINKS #

CONCLUSION #

The sinking of the ACME on November 5, 1867, during a violent storm, is a poignant reminder of the perilous conditions faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. The ship’s final resting place off Dunkirk, New York, stands as a testament to the unpredictability and danger of Lake Erie’s waters, where even the most seaworthy vessels could meet a tragic end.