Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cadet
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1845
- Builder: G.A. Thayer, Ashtabula, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 67 ft (20.4 m); Beam: 18 ft 8 in (5.7 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft 7 in (2.0 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 72.07 tons
- Location: Between Port Stanley and Port Burwell, Lake Erie
- Original Owners: Moses Robash, Detroit, Michigan
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Cadet was a two-masted wooden schooner, built for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Modestly sized with a tonnage of just over 72 tons, the schooner was designed for carrying bulk goods such as coal and petroleum, which were essential commodities during the mid-19th century. Like many vessels of its time, the Cadet relied on wind power and was a vital part of the growing Great Lakes shipping industry.
Description
The Cadet was launched in 1845, built by G.A. Thayer in Ashtabula, Ohio. It served as a cargo vessel on the Great Lakes, frequently transporting essential goods between ports. Over its operational life, the schooner saw ownership under Moses Robash, a prominent merchant based in Detroit, Michigan.
History
Previous Incidents
In November 1857, the Cadet suffered a significant collision with the steamer Gore near Lexington, Michigan, on Lake Huron. The accident caused the schooner to sink. However, the vessel was salvaged, repaired, and returned to service. This incident foreshadowed the risks and challenges faced by ships navigating the often treacherous Great Lakes waters.
Final Voyage and Sinking
On August 16, 1862, the Cadet embarked on what would be its last voyage, carrying coal and petroleum from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Toronto, Ontario. The schooner encountered severe weather or possibly a collision while traversing Lake Erie between Port Stanley and Port Burwell.
The storm or collision proved catastrophic, and the vessel was lost along with its six crew members. The exact details of the sinking remain unclear due to the limited documentation available from that era.
Significant Incidents
- Debris, including remnants of the cargo and the wheelhouse gear, was discovered floating near Buffalo.
- Additional wreckage washed ashore at Port Colborne, confirming the vessel’s tragic fate.
Final Disposition
The Cadet was uninsured at the time, compounding the financial loss for its owner. The sinking of the Cadet highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. Its loss serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions faced by sailors and the unpredictable nature of these inland seas. While not widely known, the story of the Cadet reflects the broader narrative of maritime risk and resilience during this period.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact location of the Cadet’s wreck remains undocumented. Given the age of the sinking and the likely condition of any remnants, the wreck would be heavily deteriorated, possibly buried under sediment. Efforts to locate or explore the site would require advanced technology and historical research.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cadet-1845″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Cadet in 1862 underscores the inherent dangers of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. Its final voyage, marked by tragedy, serves as a somber chapter in the history of maritime trade. The schooner’s story, including its earlier incidents and ultimate demise, reflects the resilience of the sailors and the ever-present risks faced on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →