IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CHESAPEAKE was a wooden sidewheel steamer built in 1838 by David R. Stebbins in Maumee, Ohio. The vessel measured 172 feet in length, 24 feet 6 inches in width, and 10 feet 2 inches in depth, with a tonnage of 412 tons. It was powered by a vertical beam low-pressure steam engine, generating 120 nominal horsepower and driving two 28-foot paddlewheels. The CHESAPEAKE served as a passenger and package freight carrier, operating primarily on Lake Erie.
HISTORY #
Launched in 1838, the CHESAPEAKE was owned by Burr Higgins and Company of Sandusky, Ohio. The vessel was a crucial part of the transportation network on the Great Lakes, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods across the region. On the night of June 9, 1847, the CHESAPEAKE was fully loaded with dry goods and groceries when it collided with the schooner J.F. PORTER, which was carrying wheat and corn.
The collision occurred under the cover of darkness, resulting in significant damage to both vessels. The crew of the J.F. PORTER managed to board the CHESAPEAKE before their schooner sank. Despite efforts to reach Conneaut Harbor, the CHESAPEAKE foundered approximately two miles from shore, settling in 40 feet of water.
As the vessel began to sink, passengers and crew members made desperate attempts to escape, utilizing boats and makeshift rafts. The relatively calm lake conditions aided rescue efforts, with many survivors being picked up by the steamer HARRISON. However, at least nine lives were lost in the tragedy, though reports vary on the exact number of casualties.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CHESAPEAKE sank in 40 feet of water off the coast of Conneaut, Ohio, following the collision with the schooner J.F. PORTER. The wreck remains on the lakebed, representing a significant historical maritime site. The site is accessible to divers and serves as a reminder of the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful night.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to this wreck site. Historical records indicate the site is marked primarily as a location of historical interest.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was known following the incident in 1847, and its approximate location off Conneaut, Ohio, has been documented in historical records.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the CHESAPEAKE lies in 40 feet of water, relatively shallow for Great Lakes shipwrecks. The condition of the wreck is not detailed in the provided information, but it likely remains a site of interest for historians and divers alike. Accessibility is generally good, with the shallow depth making it a viable dive site for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime incident reports, and trial documents from the United States Circuit Court in Columbus, Ohio.
- Further Reading:
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the CHESAPEAKE following its collision with the schooner J.F. PORTER on June 9, 1847, stands as a poignant reminder of the dangers of early maritime travel on the Great Lakes. The subsequent loss of life and the legal proceedings that followed highlighted the importance of navigational protocols and the responsibilities of those operating vessels on these waters. The wreck, lying in relatively shallow waters, continues to serve as a testament to the risks faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes and the need for vigilance in maritime operations.
TAGS #
- Tags: #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #SidewheelSteamer #Chesapeake #CollisionAtSea #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration
