Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Bell Mitchell
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: Constructed in Algonac, Michigan, USA
- Dimensions: Length: 136.7 ft (41.67 m); Beam: 25.6 ft (7.80 m); Depth: 11.4 ft (3.47 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 320 Gross Tons; 304 Net Tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18.3 m / 60 ft
- Location: Approximately 22 miles off Long Point, Ontario
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
- Official Number: 2892
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Bell Mitchell was a wooden-hulled, two-masted schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and maneuverability, making them ideal for transporting bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and coal across the lakes.
Description
Built in 1874 in Algonac, Michigan, the Bell Mitchell measured 136.7 feet (41.67 meters) in length, with a beam of 25.6 feet (7.80 meters) and a depth of 11.4 feet (3.47 meters). She had a gross tonnage of 320 and a net tonnage of 304. Designed for the grain trade, she was a robust vessel capable of handling the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes.
History
On October 14, 1886, the Bell Mitchell departed Toledo, Ohio, bound for Buffalo, New York, carrying a cargo of wheat. While en route, she encountered a severe southwest gale, a remnant of a Gulf hurricane, approximately 22 miles off Long Point, Ontario. The storm overwhelmed the vessel, leading to her disappearance with all eight crew members aboard. Wreckage from the schooner was later found, confirming her loss.
Significant Incidents
- October 14, 1886: The Bell Mitchell was lost in a gale, with all eight crew members perishing.
Final Disposition
The Bell Mitchell was declared a total loss following her disappearance in the gale. The exact circumstances of her sinking remain unknown, but the discovery of wreckage confirmed the vessel’s demise.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Bell Mitchell was located in 60 feet (18.3 meters) of water in a remote part of Lake Erie. The site is remarkably well-preserved, with many artifacts, including dishes, two stoves, and a large brass bell, still present.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”bell-mitchell-us-2892″ title=”References & Links”]
The Bell Mitchell serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss in a sudden gale underscores the unpredictable and often treacherous conditions that could arise on Lake Erie. The discovery of her well-preserved wreck offers valuable insights into the shipbuilding techniques and maritime history of the era.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
- Name: Bell Mitchell
- Former Names: Also referred to as Belle Mitchell
- Official Registration Number: 2892
- Date Built & Launched: 1874
- Builder: Constructed in Algonac, Michigan, USA
- Construction: Wooden-hulled two-masted schooner
- Dimensions: Length: 136.7 ft (41.67 m); Beam: 25.6 ft (7.80 m); Depth: 11.4 ft (3.47 m)
- Tonnage: 320 Gross Tons; 304 Net Tons
- Date Lost: October 14, 1886
- Location of Loss: Approximately 22 miles off Long Point, Ontario, in Lake Erie
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed
- Cargo at Time of Loss: Wheat
- Cause of Loss: Overwhelmed by a southwest gale; presumed foundered
- Crew: 8; all perished
- Final Disposition: Total loss
- Owner at Time of Loss: Not specified
- Sources: N2Junkie.com, ErieWrecks.com, Beachcombing Magazine(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Pinterest, n2junkie.com, Alchem Inc., n2junkie.com, shipwrecksofthegreatlakes.ca)
Vessel Type(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
The Bell Mitchell was a wooden-hulled, two-masted schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and maneuverability, making them ideal for transporting bulk goods such as grain, lumber, and coal across the lakes.
Description(realclearscience.com)
Built in 1874 in Algonac, Michigan, the Bell Mitchell measured 136.7 feet (41.67 meters) in length, with a beam of 25.6 feet (7.80 meters) and a depth of 11.4 feet (3.47 meters). She had a gross tonnage of 320 and a net tonnage of 304. Designed for the grain trade, she was a robust vessel capable of handling the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes.(n2junkie.com)
History(Midland Daily News)
On October 14, 1886, the Bell Mitchell departed Toledo, Ohio, bound for Buffalo, New York, carrying a cargo of wheat. While en route, she encountered a severe southwest gale, a remnant of a Gulf hurricane, approximately 22 miles off Long Point, Ontario. The storm overwhelmed the vessel, leading to her disappearance with all eight crew members aboard. Wreckage from the schooner was later found, confirming her loss. (n2junkie.com, Alchem Inc.)
Final Disposition
The Bell Mitchell was declared a total loss following her disappearance in the gale. The exact circumstances of her sinking remain unknown, but the discovery of wreckage confirmed the vessel’s demise.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck of the Bell Mitchell was located in 60 feet (18.3 meters) of water in a remote part of Lake Erie. The site is remarkably well-preserved, with many artifacts, including dishes, two stoves, and a large brass bell, still present. (Beachcombing Magazine)
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Bell Mitchell. Mariners operating in the area should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.
Resources & Links
- N2Junkie.com – Bell Mitchell
- ErieWrecks.com – Bell Mitchell
- Beachcombing Magazine – Shipwrecks of Lake Erie(n2junkie.com, eriewrecks.com, Beachcombing Magazine)
Conclusion
The Bell Mitchell serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss in a sudden gale underscores the unpredictable and often treacherous conditions that could arise on Lake Erie. The discovery of her well-preserved wreck offers valuable insights into the shipbuilding techniques and maritime history of the era.
Suggested Keywords & Categories(justaddwaterscuba.com)
Keywords: Bell Mitchell, Belle Mitchell, schooner, Lake Erie shipwreck, 1886 gale, wheat cargo(Alchem Inc.)
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Erie, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Schooners, Maritime Disasters
Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast, used extensively on the Great Lakes for cargo transport.
- Gale: A strong wind, typically used to describe wind speeds between 34 and 40 knots (39–46 mph or 63–74 km/h).
- Foundered: A term indicating that a vessel has filled with water and sunk.
- Total Loss: A term indicating that a vessel is damaged beyond repair or recovery.
Shore Dive Information
Given that the Bell Mitchell‘s wreck lies in 60 feet (18.3 meters) of water in a remote area of Lake Erie, it is not considered a shore dive site. Accessing the wreck requires appropriate diving equipment and experience in deep-water dives. Divers should consult local dive operators for guidance and ensure compliance with any regulations governing shipwreck exploration in the area.(Beachcombing Magazine)
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