Bell Mitchell US 2892

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

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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.