Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cardinal
- Type: Tanker
- Year Built: 1927
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not available
- Location: Pelee Passage, Lake Erie
- Official Number: Not available
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Cardinal was a Canadian tanker vessel, originally built in 1927. Throughout its service life, it underwent several name changes, reflecting different ownerships and operational roles. Initially named Windsolite, it was later renamed Imperial Windsor before finally becoming Cardinal.
Description
Specific details regarding the vessel’s dimensions and construction are not provided in the available sources. However, as a tanker built in the early 20th century, it would have been designed for the transportation of liquid cargoes, likely featuring a flat-bottomed hull suitable for lake navigation.
History
The vessel began its service in 1927 as Windsolite, operating under that name until 1947. It was then renamed Imperial Windsor, serving in this capacity until 1973. In 1973, the vessel underwent another name change to Cardinal.
On May 23, 1974, while traveling light (without cargo) in the Pelee Passage of Lake Erie, the Cardinal was involved in a collision with the larger lake freighter Henry Steinbrenner. The collision occurred under foggy conditions, which likely contributed to the incident. The impact caused significant damage to the Cardinal, leading to its sinking on a nearby rocky shoal. The vessel was later recovered but was declared a constructive total loss and subsequently scrapped.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the Henry Steinbrenner on May 23, 1974, in Pelee Passage, Lake Erie.
- Significant damage leading to sinking.
- Declared a constructive total loss and subsequently scrapped.
Final Disposition
After the collision and subsequent sinking, the Cardinal was salvaged. However, due to the extent of the damage sustained, it was deemed beyond economical repair and was ultimately broken up for scrap.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There is no specific information available regarding the discovery or exploration of the Cardinal’s wreck site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cardinal-windsolite-imperial-windsor” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Cardinal’s history reflects the dynamic nature of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, with vessels often changing names and roles throughout their service lives. The collision in 1974 with the Henry Steinbrenner underscores the challenges of navigation in the often foggy and congested waters of Lake Erie. While the vessel was recovered post-collision, the decision to scrap it highlights the economic considerations that often dictate the fate of damaged ships.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cardinal
- Former Names: Windsolite (1927–1947), Imperial Windsor (1947–1973)
- Official Number: Not available
- Date Built: 1927
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Date Lost: May 23, 1974
- Place of Loss: Pelee Passage, Lake Erie
- Type of Loss: Collision
- Cargo: None (travelling light)
- Loss of Life: None
- Home Port: Not specified(Wikipedia, Lloyds Production, aukevisser.nl, aukevisser.nl, YouTube)
Vessel Type
The Cardinal was a Canadian tanker vessel, originally built in 1927. Throughout its service life, it underwent several name changes, reflecting different ownerships and operational roles. Initially named Windsolite, it was later renamed Imperial Windsor before finally becoming Cardinal.
Description
Specific details regarding the vessel’s dimensions and construction are not provided in the available sources. However, as a tanker built in the early 20th century, it would have been designed for the transportation of liquid cargoes, likely featuring a flat-bottomed hull suitable for lake navigation.
History
The vessel began its service in 1927 as Windsolite, operating under that name until 1947. It was then renamed Imperial Windsor, serving in this capacity until 1973. In 1973, the vessel underwent another name change to Cardinal.(Wikipedia, aukevisser.nl)
On May 23, 1974, while traveling light (without cargo) in the Pelee Passage of Lake Erie, the Cardinal was involved in a collision with the larger lake freighter Henry Steinbrenner. The collision occurred under foggy conditions, which likely contributed to the incident. The impact caused significant damage to the Cardinal, leading to its sinking on a nearby rocky shoal. The vessel was later recovered but was declared a constructive total loss and subsequently scrapped .(Wikipedia, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Final Disposition
After the collision and subsequent sinking, the Cardinal was salvaged. However, due to the extent of the damage sustained, it was deemed beyond economical repair and was ultimately broken up for scrap .(Lloyds Production)
Located By & Date Found
There is no specific information available regarding the discovery or exploration of the Cardinal’s wreck site.
Notmars & Advisories
No specific Notices to Mariners (Notmars) or advisories related to the wreck of the Cardinal have been identified.
Resources & Links
- Windsolite – Auke Visser’s International Super Tankers
- Imperial Windsor – Auke Visser’s International Super Tankers
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – WordPress.com
- Lloyd’s Register of Shipping Casualty Return 1974 (PDF)
Conclusion
The Cardinal’s history reflects the dynamic nature of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, with vessels often changing names and roles throughout their service lives. The collision in 1974 with the Henry Steinbrenner underscores the challenges of navigation in the often foggy and congested waters of Lake Erie. While the vessel was recovered post-collision, the decision to scrap it highlights the economic considerations that often dictate the fate of damaged ships.
cardinal-windsolite-imperial-windsor 1974-05-23 11:21:00
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