Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Chesapeake
- Type: Wooden Sidewheel Steamer
- Year Built: 1838
- Builder: David R. Stebbins
- Dimensions: Length 172 ft (52.4 m); Beam 24 ft 6 in (7.5 m); Depth of hold 10 ft 2 in (3.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 412 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12 m / 40 ft
- Location: Off the coast of Conneaut, Ohio
- Coordinates: Approx. two miles from shore (exact coordinates not specified)
- Original Owners: Burr Higgins and Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Chesapeake was a wooden sidewheel steamer launched in 1838 by David R. Stebbins in Maumee, Ohio.
Description
The Chesapeake was a passenger and package freight carrier, integral to the burgeoning transportation network on the Great Lakes, ferrying people and goods efficiently across Lake Erie.
History
Ownership and Operations
Owned by Burr Higgins and Company of Sandusky, Ohio. Operated as part of the growing trade and passenger routes in the mid-19th century, aiding in the economic development of the region.
The Collision and Sinking
On June 9, 1847, the Chesapeake, laden with dry goods and groceries, collided with the schooner J.F. Porter under the cover of darkness. The J.F. Porter was carrying wheat and corn. After the collision, the J.F. Porter sank quickly, but her crew managed to board the Chesapeake. Despite efforts to reach Conneaut Harbor, the Chesapeake also foundered approximately two miles from shore, settling in 40 feet of water.
Rescue and Casualties
Many passengers and crew members escaped using lifeboats and makeshift rafts. Calm lake conditions allowed the steamer Harrison to rescue survivors. Tragically, at least nine lives were lost, though reports vary on the exact number of casualties.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the schooner J.F. Porter on June 9, 1847.
- Foundering approximately two miles from shore.
- At least nine casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The Chesapeake rests at the bottom of Lake Erie, approximately two miles off Conneaut, Ohio. The wreck remains largely undisturbed and is accessible to divers, representing a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: The current state of the wreck is unclear, but its age suggests extensive degradation of the wooden structure. Cold freshwater may have preserved some elements.
Accessibility: The wreck lies at a depth of 40 feet, making it relatively accessible for divers. Its shallow location and historical importance attract divers and researchers.
Resources & Links
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The Chesapeake’s sinking highlights the challenges of early maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, including the dangers of nighttime travel and the risks of poorly enforced navigational protocols. The tragedy underscored the need for improved safety measures and vigilance in maritime operations. The wreck serves as a testament to the early steamboat era, offering insights into the technological advancements and the perilous conditions of mid-19th-century Great Lakes travel.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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