Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Black Rover
- Type: Scow-Schooner
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: Lumm & Lyon
- Dimensions: Length: 81 ft (24.7 m); Beam: 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold: 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 79 tons
- Location: Near Water Works, Cleveland
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Black Rover was a scow-schooner, a type of vessel characterized by its flat-bottomed design, making it particularly adept at navigating the shallow waters of the Great Lakes.
Description
Constructed in 1855 at Black River, Ohio, by Lumm & Lyon, the Black Rover was a wooden vessel measuring 81 feet in length, 22 feet in beam, and 5 feet in depth. With a tonnage of 79, it was designed to carry heavy cargoes, such as timber, across the Great Lakes.
History
The Black Rover set sail on November 29, 1867, from Black River, Ohio, bound for Cleveland with a cargo of wood. The journey was interrupted by a violent storm that struck Lake Erie, leading to the vessel being driven ashore near the Water Works in Cleveland, where it ultimately broke apart.
Significant Incidents
- On November 29, 1867, the Black Rover was caught in a storm while approaching Cleveland Harbor.
- The vessel was overwhelmed by fierce winds and waves, leading to its grounding and destruction.
- One crew member tragically lost his life during the incident.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Black Rover serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s destruction marked the end of its service, and its story is preserved in maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is believed to lie in shallow waters near the shore of Cleveland, but its exact location and condition remain uncertain.
Resources & Links
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The tale of the Black Rover is a poignant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, highlighting the risks faced by sailors and the impact of natural forces on maritime trade.
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