Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Commercial
- Type: Wooden Two-Mast Schooner
- Year Built: 1833
- Builder: J. Baldwin, Conneaut, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 52 ft (15.8 m); Beam: 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth: 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 52 tons
- Location: Off Conneaut, Ohio, Lake Erie
- Original Owners: David Ford, Nathaniel B. Harmon, John Reed, John Prince
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Commercial was a modest-sized schooner typical of early 19th-century Great Lakes trade. These vessels were designed for efficient cargo transport, favoring speed and maneuverability. The Commercial served as a vital link in regional commerce, particularly for transporting bulk goods such as salt, grain, and other staples of the growing economies along the Great Lakes.
Description
Built in 1833 by J. Baldwin in Conneaut, Ohio, the Commercial operated as a cargo carrier along Lake Erie and the surrounding waters. Owned by David Ford, Nathaniel B. Harmon, John Reed of Conneaut, and John Prince of Buffalo, the vessel was captained by Harrison Howard at the time of its loss. The schooner supported local industries and trade by transporting essential goods between growing lakeside communities.
History
On June 22, 1840, the Commercial was navigating Lake Erie near Conneaut, Ohio, carrying 250 barrels of salt. During its voyage, the schooner collided with the passenger steamer Great Western in midships.
The Great Western struck the Commercial midships, breaching the hull and causing the schooner to sink rapidly. The collision occurred during low visibility, attributed to the schooner’s obscured lights, which prevented the steamer from detecting the vessel in time to avoid impact. The crew of the Commercial was rescued by the Great Western moments before the schooner sank.
Significant Incidents
- Cargo Loss: The Commercial was carrying 250 barrels of salt, a valuable commodity for preservation and trade. The cargo was completely lost in the incident.
- Human Losses: Fortunately, no fatalities occurred; the crew’s lives were saved due to the quick actions of the Great Western’s crew.
Final Disposition
The Commercial sank in the waters off Conneaut, Ohio, on Lake Erie. The wreck’s precise location remains undocumented, and it is unclear whether any salvage attempts were made at the time. Given the schooner’s wooden construction and the period’s limited salvage capabilities, the vessel likely deteriorated naturally over time.
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the Commercial’s wreck site. However, the area off Conneaut has long been recognized as a region of historical shipwrecks, and mariners are advised to navigate with caution.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The sinking of the schooner Commercial highlights the inherent dangers of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation, where limited technology and human error often led to tragic outcomes. Though the crew was saved, the loss of the schooner and its cargo underscores the challenges of maritime trade during this period. The incident also serves as a historical reminder of the growing need for standardized navigation and safety practices on the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”commercial-1833″ title=”References & Links”]
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