Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Carlingford
- Type: Three-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1869
- Builder: Fitzgerald & Leighton
- Dimensions: ~155 ft (47.2 m) × ~31 ft (9.45 m); Depth of hold: ~12 ft (3.66 m)
- Registered Tonnage: ~470 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30.5 m / 100 ft
- Location: Off Dunkirk, Lake Erie (near Ontario side)
- Coordinates: N 42° 39.266′, W 79° 28.616′ (approx.)
- Official Number: 125024
- Original Owners: Multiple over life; at time of loss, owner not clearly documented
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Carlingford was a three-masted wooden schooner, built without steam propulsion, relying solely on sail. The single deck construction accommodated large cargo volumes, chiefly bulk agricultural produce such as wheat.
Description
The Carlingford featured a modest depth of hold and a hull form optimized for the Great Lakes trade routes. She was later rebuildable—her structure allowed for refurbishment after major incidents such as groundings or collisions.
History
After her launch in 1869 from Port Huron, Michigan, the Carlingford operated across the Great Lakes, carrying grain and other bulk cargoes. Source material indicates she may have been stranded on Horseshoe Reef near Buffalo in 1879, necessitating a rebuild in 1880. Earlier, she reportedly sank after an incident near the Manitou Islands in 1869 but was salvaged and rebuilt in 1870 (though that latter point is less well corroborated).
On her final voyage (November 1881), Carlingford was downbound from Duluth, laden with ~26,000 bushels of wheat, destined ultimately for Buffalo (or ports toward the U.S. East). During the night of November 12, 1881, she collided with the iron steamer Brunswick approximately 11–13 miles off Dunkirk, New York. Miscommunication in passing signals is frequently cited as a factor in the collision.
Significant Incidents
- Reportedly sank after an incident near the Manitou Islands in 1869 but was salvaged and rebuilt in 1870.
- Stranded on Horseshoe Reef near Buffalo in 1879, necessitating a rebuild in 1880.
- Collided with the steamer Brunswick on November 12, 1881, leading to her sinking.
Final Disposition
The collision inflicted major damage to Carlingford‘s hull (notably on the port side) and she sank rapidly. The wreck today lies mostly intact, albeit with visible collision damage. A wood-stock anchor is reported embedded in the bottom near the port side, and machinery such as a capstan and center-board winch remain on site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is located at a depth of approximately 95–100 ft (29–30 m). Visibility may be reduced, and currents and thermocline layering can affect dives. Access is typically by boat, with no known safe shore entry.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”carlingford-us-125024″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As a diver, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and consider removing any garbage to leave the site better than you found it.
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
Description
The *Carlingford* was a three-masted wooden schooner, built without steam propulsion, relying solely on sail. The single deck construction accommodated large cargo volumes, chiefly bulk agricultural produce such as wheat. She had modest depth of hold and a hull form optimized for the Great Lakes trade routes. The ship was later rebuildable—her structure allowed for refurbishment after major incidents such as groundings or collisions.History
After her launch in 1869 from Port Huron, Michigan, the *Carlingford* operated across the Great Lakes, carrying grain and other bulk cargoes. Source material indicates she may have been stranded on *Horseshoe Reef* near Buffalo in 1879, necessitating a rebuild in 1880. Earlier, she reportedly sank after an incident near the Manitou Islands in 1869 but was salvaged and rebuilt in 1870 (though that latter point is less well corroborated). On her final voyage (November 1881), *Carlingford* was downbound from Duluth, laden with ~26,000 bushels of wheat, destined ultimately for Buffalo (or ports toward the U.S. East).During the night of November 12, 1881, she collided with the iron steamer *Brunswick* approximately 11–13 miles off Dunkirk, New York. Miscommunication in passing signals is frequently cited as a factor in the collision. Both vessels sank as a result.Final Dispositions
The collision inflicted major damage to *Carlingford*’s hull (notably on the port side) and she sank rapidly. The wreck today lies mostly intact, albeit with visible collision damage. A wood-stock anchor is reported embedded in the bottom near the port side, and machinery such as a capstan and center-board winch remain on site.Located By & Date Found
The wreck was discovered (or rediscovered) by underwater archaeologists and divers; photographic and 3D documentation has been undertaken by 3DShipwrecks (Ken Merryman) in recent years (e.g. May 2023). The precise date and first finder are not clearly documented in accessible secondary sources.Notmars & Advisories
No specific official Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) have been located in my research. The site, at ~95–100 ft depth, is potentially a hazard to deep divers but is deep enough to avoid interfering with surface navigation.Dive Information
Access: Boat dive (no safe shore entry known) Entry Point: Likely from Port Dover or nearest Ontario port Conditions: Visibility may be reduced; currents and thermocline layering can affect dives Depth Range: ~90–110 ft (27–33 m) Emergency Contacts: U.S./Canada Coast Guard, local dive operators Permits: Wreck lies in Ontario waters—permits or provincial approval may be required for artifact removal Dive Support: Local dive charters (e.g. Osprey Dive) operate in the areaCrew & Casualty Memorials
One crew member lost life in the sinking. Crew roster, names, and survivor accounts have not been definitively located in available archival sources.Documented Statements & Extracts
“The new iron steamer Brunswick, laden with 1500 tons of coal … collided with the schooner Carlingford, bound for Buffalo, with 26,000 bushels.”
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Official number 125024 is assigned to *Carlingford* in U.S. registry records. Enrollment port and insurance underwriters were not located in the sources reviewed.Site Documentation & Imaging
Detailed 3D photogrammetric modelling has been done by 3DShipwrecks / Ken Merryman (2023). Underwater photographic documentation exists, though limited by lake visibility.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
- Newspapers.com
- Find A Grave
- 3DShipwrecks — Carlingford
- Niagara Divers — Carlingford info
References
- “Shipwreck Carlingford” — 3DShipwrecks database (site details & model)
- “Carlingford — Niagara Divers” (vessel details, registry)
- “Amherstburg Echo, Marine News 1881” (collision report)
- “Chautauqua Shipwrecks / Maritime History of the Lakes” (registry & cargo detail)
- “Carlingford wreck info, ShipwreckWorld” (location & cargo)