Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Betty Hedger
- Type: Barge
- Year Built: 1927
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length 113 ft (34.4 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 460 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 115 m / 377 ft
- Location: Approximately 12 miles west of Dunkirk, New York
- Coordinates: 42° 25' 7.0788" N, 79° 36' 32.1012" W
- Official Number: Not available
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Barge
The Betty Hedger was a wooden-hulled barge constructed in 1927, primarily used for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes.
History
On November 2, 1937, the Betty Hedger was part of a convoy being towed by the tug Ballenas across Lake Erie. The convoy included two other barges: the American Scout and the American Sailor. All three barges were laden with sulfur, a common cargo transported across the Great Lakes during that era.
As the convoy navigated the waters off Barcelona, New York, they encountered a severe storm. The turbulent weather conditions overwhelmed the barges, causing all three to founder and sink. The Betty Hedger met its demise approximately 12 miles west of Dunkirk, New York.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Betty Hedger rests at a depth of approximately 115 meters (377 feet) in Lake Erie. The site is considered suitable for advanced divers due to the depth and potential challenges posed by the lake’s conditions.
GPS Coordinates:
- Latitude: 42° 25′ 7.0788″ N
- Longitude: 79° 36′ 32.1012″ W
Current Condition & Accessibility
Specific details regarding the discovery of the Betty Hedger‘s wreck are not well-documented. However, its location has been charted and is included in various shipwreck maps and databases.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”betty-hedger-1927″ title=”References & Links”]
The sinking of the Betty Hedger, along with the American Scout and American Sailor, underscores the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes, especially during severe storms. While specific details about the crew and the exact circumstances remain scarce, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges of lake navigation. The wreck now rests silently beneath Lake Erie’s surface, offering a site of interest for advanced divers and maritime historians alike.
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.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: Betty Hedger
- Former Names: Not documented
- Official Number: Not available
- Date Built & Launched: 1927
- Measurements:
- Length: 34.4 meters (113 feet)
- Tonnage: 460 tons
- Date Lost: November 2, 1937
Vessel Type
Barge
The Betty Hedger was a wooden-hulled barge constructed in 1927, primarily used for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
History
On November 2, 1937, the Betty Hedger was part of a convoy being towed by the tug Ballenas across Lake Erie. The convoy included two other barges: the American Scout and the American Sailor. All three barges were laden with sulfur, a common cargo transported across the Great Lakes during that era.
As the convoy navigated the waters off Barcelona, New York, they encountered a severe storm. The turbulent weather conditions overwhelmed the barges, causing all three to founder and sink. The Betty Hedger met its demise approximately 12 miles west of Dunkirk, New York.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Betty Hedger rests at a depth of approximately 115 meters (377 feet) in Lake Erie. The site is considered suitable for advanced divers due to the depth and potential challenges posed by the lake’s conditions.
GPS Coordinates:
- Latitude: 42° 25′ 7.0788″ N
- Longitude: 79° 36′ 32.1012″ W
Located By & Date Found
Specific details regarding the discovery of the Betty Hedger‘s wreck are not well-documented. However, its location has been charted and is included in various shipwreck maps and databases.
NOTMARs & Advisories
- The wreck is not officially marked on navigational charts.
- Given its depth and location, the site poses no immediate hazard to surface navigation.
- Divers should exercise caution and ensure they have the appropriate training and equipment for deep dives when exploring this site.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The sinking of the Betty Hedger, along with the American Scout and American Sailor, underscores the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes, especially during severe storms. While specific details about the crew and the exact circumstances remain scarce, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges of lake navigation. The wreck now rests silently beneath Lake Erie’s surface, offering a site of interest for advanced divers and maritime historians alike.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Betty Hedger shipwreck, Lake Erie barge sinking, 1937 maritime disaster, sulfur cargo shipwreck, Great Lakes shipwrecks
- Categories: Lake Erie maritime history, Great Lakes shipwrecks, 20th-century naval incidents, cargo transportation disasters
- Glossary Terms:
- Barge: A flat-bottomed vessel used primarily for transporting bulk goods.
- Foundered: To fill with water and sink.
- Sulfur Cargo: Refers to the transportation of sulfur, a chemical element commonly used in industry, which was a typical cargo for barges during this period.