•Vessel Name: Shannon
•Vessel Type: Scow Schooner
•Date of Wreck: June 20, 1874
•Location: Off the coast of Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
•Cause: Structural failure, leading to water ingress and sinking
Vessel Type Description #
The Shannon was a two-masted scow schooner, a flat-bottomed sailing vessel designed for transporting heavy cargoes like coal across the Great Lakes. Built in 1867 in Battersea, County of Frontenac, by Robt. Davis, the Shannon was primarily used to transport bulk commodities. Scow schooners were popular on the lakes due to their ability to carry large loads despite their relatively shallow draft, making them ideal for the shallow ports and coastlines of the region. On the day of its wreck, the Shannon was carrying 100 tons of anthracite coal.
History #
On June 20, 1874, the Shannon departed Oswego, New York, with a full load of coal. Soon after setting out into Lake Ontario, the ship began taking on water due to a hole in its hull. The crew made frantic attempts to control the flooding, even using the ship’s jib sail to try to slow the leak. Despite their efforts, it became clear that the Shannon was sinking.
Realizing that the ship was beyond saving, Captain Acton ordered the crew to abandon ship. The crew launched the ship’s yawl (lifeboat) just in time, narrowly avoiding being dragged down by the sinking vessel. They rowed toward Oswego, managing to reach shore after several hours, exhausted but safe.
Final Disposition #
The Shannon sank approximately 20 miles off the coast of Oswego, New York. The wreck was discovered in 2011 by shipwreck explorers Dan Scoville and Chris Koberstein, who used sonar equipment to locate the wreck. The ship was found sitting upright on the lakebed, with both masts still standing and the deck largely intact. Remarkably, much of the Shannon’s coal cargo was still in place.
Located By & Date #
The wreck of the Shannon was discovered on June 24, 2011, using sonar technology. In July 2012, further exploration was conducted using a ROV (remotely operated vehicle), revealing that the ship was in excellent condition, with many of its original features still preserved, including the wheel, cabin, and masts.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
•Obstructions: The Shannon rests upright on the lakebed, with both masts intact and visible in sonar images. Although there are no specific NOTMARs associated with the wreck, caution is advised due to its depth and historical significance.
•Advisory: Divers should exercise care when exploring the area, respecting the site’s historical importance.
Current Condition & Accessibility #
The Shannon is in remarkably good condition, with most of its structural elements—including the wheel, masts, and cabin—still intact. The wreck sits upright on the lakebed, and much of the coal cargo remains in place. However, the wreck’s depth and location make it difficult to access for recreational divers. The Shannon is primarily of interest to maritime historians and professional shipwreck explorers, given the well-preserved state of the wreck and its contribution to the history of Great Lakes shipping.
Resources & Links #
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion #
The sinking of the Shannon in 1874 is a testament to the challenges faced by 19th-century schooners on the Great Lakes. Despite being built for heavy cargo transport, the ship was no match for structural issues that led to its sinking. The discovery of the Shannon’s wreck over a century later, in such a well-preserved state, offers valuable insights into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The wreck continues to captivate historians and shipwreck enthusiasts, preserving a chapter of the region’s rich nautical legacy.
