Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Benjamin Franklin
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder: D. McNett
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Approximately 147 tons
- Location: Near Port Clinton, Ohio
- Official Number: 2381
- Original Owners: Doville of Sodus, New York
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted schooner
Description
The Benjamin Franklin was a wooden two-masted schooner constructed in 1857 by D. McNett in Sodus, New York. Designed for cargo transport, she had a tonnage of approximately 147 tons. The vessel was owned by Doville of Sodus, New York, and her homeport was Oswego.
History
On November 5, 1877, the Benjamin Franklin was en route from Cleveland to Detroit, carrying a cargo of 300 tons of coal. During the voyage, she encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie, which drove her aground near Port Clinton, Ohio. Two weeks later, the tug Oswego attempted to salvage the vessel. However, efforts to lower the water level inside the schooner were unsuccessful, leading to the abandonment of the salvage operation. At the time of her loss, the Benjamin Franklin was valued at approximately $4,000.
Significant Incidents
- November 5, 1877: The Benjamin Franklin runs aground during a storm on Lake Erie.
- November 19, 1877: The tug Oswego attempts salvage but is unsuccessful.
Final Disposition
After unsuccessful salvage attempts, the Benjamin Franklin was declared a total loss and abandoned near Port Clinton, Ohio.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck site of the Benjamin Franklin has not been located or documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”benjamin-franklin-us-2381″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Benjamin Franklin serves as a testament to the challenges faced by 19th-century schooners navigating the Great Lakes. Her loss near Port Clinton, Ohio, underscores the perils of maritime transport during that era, particularly in the face of sudden and severe storms. While the exact location of her wreck remains unknown, the story of her final voyage contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake Erie.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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