The schooner Cadet was built in 1845 in Ashtabula, Ohio, by G.A. Thayer. The vessel was a modestly sized schooner with a length of 67 feet, a beam of 18 feet 8 inches, and a depth of 6 feet 7 inches, with a tonnage of 72.07 tons. The Cadet was equipped with two masts, typical of schooners of that period, and it served as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes.
The Cadet met its tragic end on August 16, 1862, while en route from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Toronto, Ontario, with a cargo consisting of coal and petroleum. Historical records suggest that the schooner encountered a severe storm or possibly a collision between Port Stanley and Port Burwell on Lake Erie. Unfortunately, the vessel was lost along with all six crew members aboard.
In the days following the incident, remnants of the Cadet’s cargo and wheelhouse gear were discovered floating near Buffalo, and additional wreckage began to wash ashore at Port Colborne. The vessel was uninsured at the time of its sinking, adding to the financial loss suffered by its owner, Moses Robash of Detroit.
Previous Incidents #
The Cadet had previously been involved in a notable maritime accident before its final voyage. In November 1857, the schooner was involved in a collision with the steamer Gore near Lexington, Michigan, while navigating Lake Huron. The collision caused the Cadet to sink, though it was salvaged and returned to service.
Ambiguities and Confusion #
It is worth noting that historical records from the 19th century can sometimes be unclear, leading to possible confusion with other vessels of similar names, such as the Convoy. While the loss of the Cadet is documented, the full details surrounding its sinking may be intertwined with reports of other vessels lost in the same era and region.
Legacy #
The sinking of the Cadet remains one of the many tragic maritime incidents on the Great Lakes, underscoring the dangers faced by sailors of the time. Despite the lack of insurance and the financial loss, the story of the Cadet serves as a reminder of the perils of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century.
External Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: A resource for information on ships of the Great Lakes.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: A comprehensive database of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: An extensive archive of Great Lakes maritime history.
