Arabian

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: ARABIAN
• Type: Barkentine (originally a schooner)
• Year Built: 1853
• Builder: Unknown
• Dimensions: Length 90 ft (27.4 m); Beam 10 ft (3 m); Depth of hold 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 135 tons
• Location: Near Cleveland, Lake Erie
• Original Owners: Unknown
• Number of Masts: Square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged main and mizzen masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ARABIAN was a wooden sailing vessel originally constructed as a schooner in 1853 in Oakville, Ontario. It was later rebuilt as a barkentine in 1866, featuring a square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged main and mizzen masts. This configuration made the ARABIAN versatile for both cargo transport and navigation in the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. The vessel primarily carried bulk goods, such as stone, across Lake Erie and other waterways.

Description

The ARABIAN entered service in 1853, operating as a schooner, a common vessel type for the bustling trade on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Over time, it underwent changes in ownership and use, reflecting the dynamic nature of maritime commerce in the region. By 1866, it was converted to a barkentine, likely to meet the changing demands for cargo capacity and maneuverability.

History

On June 17, 1866, under the command of Captain Bentley Haskins, the ARABIAN was transporting a load of stone blocks from Cleveland to Darlington, Ontario. As the vessel set sail, it encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie.

The worsening weather forced Captain Haskins to abandon the journey and attempt a return to Cleveland for safety. However, as the ARABIAN approached Cleveland harbor, the storm intensified. The vessel was overwhelmed by the fierce winds and waves, eventually wrecking near the harbor entrance.

The tragedy claimed the lives of six crew members. Despite efforts to save the vessel and its crew, the ARABIAN was completely destroyed, marking a devastating loss for those involved and for the maritime community of the time.

Significant Incidents

• Wrecked in a storm on June 17, 1866, near Cleveland, Lake Erie.
• Six crew members lost their lives during the incident.

Final Disposition

The ARABIAN was declared a total loss after the storm. Its remains were likely scattered or buried under Lake Erie’s silt and debris, with no known modern recovery or documentation of the exact wreck site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the ARABIAN’s wreck. Mariners navigating near Cleveland should remain vigilant due to the historically high concentration of shipwrecks in the area.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the ARABIAN in 1866 highlights the perilous nature of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. The transition from a schooner to a barkentine demonstrates the adaptability of shipbuilders and owners to evolving maritime demands. Despite its robust construction, the ARABIAN fell victim to the fierce storms that frequently tested the limits of vessels in the Great Lakes. The wreck serves as a poignant chapter in the history of Lake Erie, reminding us of the bravery and risks taken by mariners during this era.