Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: AGNES E. MARSILLIOT
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1840
- Builder: Augustus Jones, Black River, Ohio
- Dimensions: 88 ft (26.8 m); Beam: 21 ft (6.4 m); Depth of hold: 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 129 tons (approx. 117 metric tonnes)
- Location: Approximately 7 miles below Port Stanley, Ontario
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted schooner (Shotline Diving).
Description
Originally constructed as the brig TOM CORWIN in 1840, the vessel was later converted into a schooner and renamed AGNES E. MARSILLIOT. Measuring 88 feet in length with a beam of 21 feet and a depth of 8 feet, she had a gross tonnage of 129 tons. As a schooner, she was designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, utilizing her two-masted rig for efficient sailing. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
History
By 1860, the AGNES E. MARSILLIOT had experienced significant wear and damage, including from a previous fire. Despite her compromised condition, she was purchased by a new skipper who aimed to return her to service. On September 24, 1860, while navigating Lake Erie approximately 7 miles below Port Stanley, Ontario, the vessel encountered a sudden storm. The schooner capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of two crew members. The incident underscores the perils of operating aging and damaged vessels on the Great Lakes, especially during unpredictable weather conditions. (Alchem Incorporated)
Significant Incidents
- September 24, 1860: The AGNES E. MARSILLIOT capsized and sank during a storm on Lake Erie, resulting in the loss of two crew members.
Final Disposition
The AGNES E. MARSILLIOT was declared a total loss following the storm-induced sinking. There are no records indicating salvage operations, and the vessel’s remains have not been documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck of the AGNES E. MARSILLIOT has not been located or identified.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”agnes-e-marsilliot-1840tom-corwin” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The sinking of the AGNES E. MARSILLIOT highlights the challenges faced by maritime operations on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, particularly concerning vessel maintenance and the risks of severe weather. The loss serves as a historical example of the importance of seaworthiness and preparedness in maritime ventures.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →