Canoppus(1855)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Canopus
• Type: Wooden Two-Masted Brigantine
• Year Built: 1855
• Builder: F.D. Ketchum
• Dimensions: Length: 136 ft (41.5 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 386 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 12.8 m / 42 ft
• Location: Off Claybanks, Lake Erie
• Original Owners: Munn & Scott
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Canopus was a wooden two-masted brigantine, designed for carrying bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes. Its construction and design were typical of mid-19th century vessels, emphasizing both functionality and durability.

Description

The Canopus was built in 1855 by F.D. Ketchum in Huron, Ohio. With a length of 136 feet, a beam of 26 feet, and a depth of 12 feet, the vessel had a tonnage of 386 tons. It was primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes, playing a significant role in the region’s shipping infrastructure.

History

The Canopus faced numerous challenges throughout its service life, including collisions and groundings. Notable incidents include a collision with the brig Champlain in August 1857 in Chicago, Illinois, and a severe gale in October 1858 on Lake Huron that resulted in the loss of its canvas and a collision with the propeller Globe in Buffalo Harbor. In September 1859, the vessel went ashore near Erie, Pennsylvania, but was rescued and repaired.

Significant Incidents

• August 1857: Collided with the brig Champlain in Chicago, Illinois.
• October 1858: Encountered a severe gale on Lake Huron, losing its canvas and colliding with the propeller Globe in Buffalo Harbor.
• September 1859: Went ashore near Erie, Pennsylvania, but was rescued and repaired.

Final Disposition

The Canopus sank on June 24, 1865, after colliding with the bark Republic off Claybanks, Lake Erie. The vessel sank within 20 minutes, carrying a cargo of 16,500 bushels of wheat. Fortunately, the crew escaped in the ship’s yawl, and no lives were lost. The wreck was located two weeks later by the tug Dispatch, which recovered some equipment, but the vessel itself remains lost.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Canopus lies in approximately 7 fathoms (42 feet) of water off Claybanks, Lake Erie. The site is accessible for diving, but divers are encouraged to practice NO-TOUCH documentation methods and to leave only bubbles, taking only memories. Any garbage found should be removed to help preserve the site.

Resources & Links

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The story of the Canopus serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Its legacy reflects the resilience of the maritime community in the 19th century, and ongoing research may uncover more about its history and the circumstances of its loss.