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.
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