Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Unidentified Hull – Schooner
• Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 75 ft (23 m); Beam: Not specified; Depth: Not specified
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 32 m / 105 ft
• Location: Port Dover, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: N 42° 39.103′ W 080° 03.145′
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

This wooden schooner represents a common type of vessel used on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Two-masted schooners were versatile workhorses, primarily employed in the transportation of bulk goods such as lumber, coal, and grain. Their relatively small size and maneuverability made them ideal for regional trade routes.

Description

The history of this vessel is obscured by the lack of identifying records or artifacts at the site. Based on its construction and design, it likely operated as a cargo transport vessel, moving goods between ports on Lake Erie, including Port Dover and other nearby locations.

The schooner now rests on a silt bottom at a depth of 105 feet, listing slightly to starboard. This position and its preservation indicate a sudden end, likely caused by fire, as evidenced by charred sections of the hull. While no salvage operations have been reported, the wreck remains remarkably intact, offering a valuable window into the era’s shipbuilding and maritime practices.

History

The wreck lies in a well-preserved state, with clear water conditions often providing excellent visibility for divers. The vessel’s intact structure, combined with the fire damage, offers a haunting but compelling site for underwater exploration. The listing of the hull provides unique viewing angles, making the schooner a fascinating dive target for intermediate and advanced divers.

Significant Incidents

• Date of Loss: Not specified
• Cause of Loss: Likely fire (indicated by fire damage on the wreck)
• Crew: Not specified
• Salvage Operations: None reported

Final Disposition

The Unidentified Hull – Schooner near Port Dover serves as a poignant reminder of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime history. Though much about its story remains unknown, the wreck’s preservation and evident fire damage provide clues to its dramatic end. This schooner is a vital archaeological site, offering valuable insights into the life and loss of 19th-century Great Lakes vessels.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck. Divers should exercise standard precautions when exploring shipwrecks, particularly in deep water and with structures compromised by fire damage.

Resources & Links

Further research and exploration may one day reveal its identity and complete the story of this intriguing wreck.