IVANHOE

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: IVANHOE
Type: Schooner
Date of Incident: January 11, 1856 (collision), final sinking on October 5, 1855
Location: Near Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie
Coordinates: 41° 33.310′ N, 82° 02.826′ W
Depth: 54 feet (16 meters)
Condition: The wreck lies upright on a mud bottom, partially intact amidships, with the bow and stern collapsed.

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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The IVANHOE was a wooden schooner built in 1848 in Irving, New York. It was designed for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes, primarily between Buffalo, New York, and ports in Conneaut, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania. The schooner measured 110 feet (33 meters) in length, 25 feet 9 inches (8 meters) in beam, and 9 feet 3 inches (3 meters) in depth, with a gross tonnage of 237 tons.

Throughout its operational life, the IVANHOE was involved in the transportation of various goods, including lumber and coal. The vessel was known for its robustness and served as a critical part of the Great Lakes shipping industry during its time.

HISTORY #

Launched in 1848, the IVANHOE was a staple of the Great Lakes cargo transport network. It primarily operated between Buffalo, New York, and ports along Lake Erie’s southern shore. However, the schooner’s career was marked by several notable incidents, culminating in its final sinking in 1855.

September 28, 1849: The IVANHOE ran aground in Conneaut, Ohio, but was successfully refloated and continued its service.
October 4-5, 1855: The schooner was struck by an unidentified vessel while carrying a cargo of 300 tons of coal from Cleveland to Mackinaw. The collision occurred near Black River, Lake Erie. The crew, along with two women and a boy, abandoned ship and were rescued by the propeller OHIO. The IVANHOE eventually sank in Lake Erie.
January 11, 1856: A second collision was reported between the IVANHOE and the schooner ARAB near Black River. The IVANHOE was completely lost in this accident, while the ARAB sustained minor damage.

The IVANHOE’s final moments were described in various contemporary reports. According to the Cleveland Telegraph and Buffalo Daily Republic, the vessel was struck by another ship shortly after departing from Cleveland. Despite efforts to navigate safely, the IVANHOE was unable to avoid sinking after the collision, leading to the loss of the vessel and its cargo. Fortunately, the crew and passengers were safely rescued.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The IVANHOE now lies at the bottom of Lake Erie near Lorain, Ohio, at a depth of 54 feet. The wreck rests upright on a mud bottom, with significant sections of the ship remaining intact amidships. However, the bow and stern have collapsed, likely due to the impact of the collision and the passage of time.

The wreck site provides a glimpse into mid-19th century Great Lakes shipping practices and the challenges faced by mariners navigating these waters.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. Mariners and divers should be cautious when approaching the site, as the wreckage may pose hazards in the surrounding area.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the IVANHOE was located in the years following its sinking. The site has been documented in historical records and is known to local divers and maritime historians.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The IVANHOE lies in 54 feet of water, making it accessible to experienced divers. The site consists of the scattered remains of the schooner, with the midship section still relatively intact. The collapsed bow and stern sections, however, present potential challenges for exploration.

The wreck remains an important piece of maritime history, offering insights into the dangers of 19th-century shipping on the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and newspaper archives.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The IVANHOE schooner had a storied history on the Great Lakes, serving as a vital cargo transport vessel before meeting its tragic end in Lake Erie. The collisions that led to its sinking highlight the risks faced by mariners during the mid-19th century, particularly on busy shipping routes. The wreck now lies near Lorain, Ohio, serving as a reminder of the perils and challenges of Great Lakes navigation during this period.