Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Andes
- Type: Wooden Brigantine (later converted to Schooner)
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder: J.P. Arnold, Toledo, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 122 ft (37.2 m); Beam: 24 ft (7.3 m); Depth of hold: 9.5 ft (2.9 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Approximately 269 tons
- Location: Deep waters off Madison, Ohio, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: Not documented
- Original Owners: Lewis, Beardsley & Fitch
- Number of Masts: Three masts (after conversion to schooner)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Andes was originally launched as a brigantine, a two-masted vessel with square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the mainmast. This design offered a balance of speed and cargo capacity, making it ideal for trade routes. After significant damage in 1867, the Andes was rebuilt and converted into a schooner, which featured three masts with fore-and-aft sails. The schooner rigging allowed for more efficient handling and operation with smaller crews.
Description
The Andes was built in 1847 for owners Lewis, Beardsley & Fitch, and initially served trade routes between Toledo, Ohio, and Oswego, New York. Its construction was a testament to the thriving maritime commerce on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.
History
The Andes faced several significant incidents during its service. In the 1850s, it grounded near Sackets Harbor, requiring significant repairs. In 1853, while transporting corn from Chicago to Buffalo, the vessel ran aground near Cleveland’s east pier, resulting in the loss of 11,500 bushels of corn. After being dismasted during a storm in 1867, the Andes was rebuilt and converted into a schooner, resuming service under new ownership.
Significant Incidents
- Grounding near Sackets Harbor (1850s): The Andes grounded and required significant repairs, marking the first of many challenges in its career.
- Cleveland Incident (1853): While transporting corn from Chicago to Buffalo, the vessel ran aground near Cleveland’s east pier, resulting in the loss of 11,500 bushels of corn.
- Disasters and Rebuild (1867): After being dismasted during a storm, the Andes was rebuilt and converted into a schooner, resuming service under new ownership.
Final Disposition
On October 24, 1868, the Andes was bound for Buffalo from Detroit, carrying 16,000 bushels of wheat. The vessel encountered a fierce storm near Madison, Ohio. The hull began to leak, and the Andes quickly sank in deep waters. Fortunately, the crew was rescued, avoiding any loss of life. The sinking of the Andes in Lake Erie marked the end of a long and tumultuous service life. Despite the crew’s survival, the cargo and vessel were lost. The site of the wreck lies in deep waters off Madison, Ohio, and remains undisturbed, unmarked by modern exploration efforts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Due to the age of the wreck and its deep-water location, the condition of the Andes is unknown. It has not been explored or documented by modern divers, and its exact site remains a historical point of interest rather than an accessible wreck for exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”andes-1847″ title=”References & Links”]
The story of the Andes is one of resilience and transformation. Built as a brigantine in 1847, the vessel endured numerous challenges and was ultimately rebuilt as a schooner. Its tragic sinking in 1868 highlights the dangers faced by 19th-century sailors navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes. Despite its loss, the Andes remains a symbol of the vibrant maritime history of Lake Erie and the era of wooden sailing vessels.
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