Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Advance
- Type: Scow Schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: R. Hayes
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 49 tons
- Location: Near Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: Not provided
- Original Owners: Gallucia & Barnes of Fairport, Ohio
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Advance was a scow schooner, a flat-bottomed vessel ideal for navigating shallow waters and loading cargo with ease. Built in 1867 in Fairport, Ohio, by R. Hayes, the Advance was a small cargo transporter with a gross tonnage of 49 tons. It featured a wooden hull, a single deck, and two masts, making it a simple yet efficient vessel for its time. These schooners were commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, often for transporting goods such as coal and lumber.
Description
The Advance was constructed in Fairport, Ohio, and enrolled in Cleveland. Initially, it served as a cargo vessel, transporting coal and other goods across the Great Lakes. Its design made it well-suited for hauling heavy cargoes in the shallow harbors of the region.
History
On July 12, 1871, while near Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Lake Erie, the Advance collided with the steamer US Grant. The impact caused the Advance to sink rapidly, but the crew managed to escape without any loss of life. At the time of the collision, the schooner was carrying a cargo of coal. The incident marked the end of the Advance‘s service, as it was deemed a total loss.
The vessel was owned by Gallucia & Barnes of Fairport, Ohio, at the time of its sinking. Over the years, the Advance had changed ownership, reflecting the common practice of trading such vessels among Great Lakes operators.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the steamer US Grant on July 12, 1871, leading to the sinking of the Advance.
Final Disposition
The Advance was lost following the collision with the US Grant and sank near Put-in-Bay. The exact location of the wreck remains undocumented, making it a mystery of Lake Erie’s underwater heritage. The vessel has not been located, and its condition is unknown, though it is presumed to have deteriorated significantly due to its wooden construction and the passage of time.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The condition of the Advance is unknown. As a wooden scow schooner submerged for over 150 years, it is likely that the wreck has suffered significant deterioration. If discovered, it may provide valuable archaeological insights into 19th-century schooner construction and the cargo trade on the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
The Advance played a modest yet significant role in the bustling maritime commerce of the Great Lakes. Its final voyage and sinking in 1871 highlight the challenges of navigating the busy and often treacherous waters of Lake Erie. While the exact location of its wreck remains a mystery, the Advance adds to the rich tapestry of Lake Erie’s maritime history. Should the wreck be discovered, it could serve as an important relic of 19th-century Great Lakes transportation and trade.