Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: CONDOR
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Unknown; presumed somewhere on Lake Michigan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The CONDOR was a schooner, a type of vessel widely used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Known for their speed and agility, schooners were essential for moving goods across the lakes, particularly during the shipping boom of the mid-to-late 1800s. However, these vessels were also vulnerable to the severe storms that frequently swept through the region.
Description
The CONDOR‘s specific details and cargo for its final voyage are not documented, but it was likely engaged in transporting commodities such as grain, lumber, or coal, typical of schooners of the era.
During the storm of September 30, 1895, the CONDOR failed to arrive at its intended destination of Milwaukee, prompting grave fears for the vessel and its crew. Overdue ships were common in stormy weather, often leading to days of anxiety for shipowners, crew families, and the maritime community.
The storm, described as one of the most violent and destructive in recent years, caused extensive damage across the Upper Lakes. The CONDOR’s fate remains unknown, but its status as overdue suggests it may have:
- Suffered a mishap during the storm, such as capsizing or stranding.
- Drifted off course, potentially requiring rescue or salvage.
History
The uncertainty surrounding the CONDOR highlights the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Severe storms, combined with limited communication and navigational tools, often left shipowners and families in prolonged uncertainty about the fate of overdue vessels. The CONDOR’s story is emblematic of the perils faced by schooners and their crews, contributing to the rich but tragic maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- September 30, 1895: The CONDOR was reported overdue at Milwaukee during a severe storm, raising concerns for its safety.
Final Disposition
Status: Unknown; no confirmation of the CONDOR’s safe arrival or recovery has been recorded. The vessel may have been lost in the storm, though no definitive wreck site has been identified.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The CONDOR, like many vessels of its time, was likely a victim of the treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes during severe storms. While its ultimate fate remains a mystery, its story serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by sailors and the fragility of maritime operations during this era.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”condor” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As divers, we encourage you to respect the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. If you encounter any debris or garbage while diving, consider removing it 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.
Shipwreck Report: Schooner CONDOR
Identification & Site Information
- Name: CONDOR
- Type: Schooner
- Status During Incident: Overdue at Milwaukee, raising concerns for its safety
- Incident Date: September 30, 1895
- Location: Unknown; presumed somewhere on Lake Michigan during the storm
Vessel Type Description
The CONDOR was a schooner, a type of vessel widely used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Known for their speed and agility, schooners were essential for moving goods across the lakes, particularly during the shipping boom of the mid-to-late 1800s. However, these vessels were also vulnerable to the severe storms that frequently swept through the region.
History
The CONDOR‘s specific details and cargo for its final voyage are not documented, but it was likely engaged in transporting commodities such as grain, lumber, or coal, typical of schooners of the era.
During the storm of September 30, 1895, the CONDOR failed to arrive at its intended destination of Milwaukee, prompting grave fearsfor the vessel and its crew. Overdue ships were common in stormy weather, often leading to days of anxiety for shipowners, crew families, and the maritime community.
The storm, described as one of the most violent and destructive in recent years, caused extensive damage across the Upper Lakes. The CONDOR’s fate remains unknown, but its status as overdue suggests it may have:
- Suffered a mishap during the storm, such as capsizing or stranding.
- Drifted off course, potentially requiring rescue or salvage.
Final Disposition
Status: Unknown; no confirmation of the CONDOR’s safe arrival or recovery has been recorded. The vessel may have been lost in the storm, though no definitive wreck site has been identified.
Legacy
The uncertainty surrounding the CONDOR highlights the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Severe storms, combined with limited communication and navigational tools, often left shipowners and families in prolonged uncertainty about the fate of overdue vessels. The CONDOR’s story is emblematic of the perils faced by schooners and their crews, contributing to the rich but tragic maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
- David Swayze Shipwreck Database shipwrecks.com
- NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries thunderbay.noaa.gov
Conclusion
The CONDOR, like many vessels of its time, was likely a victim of the treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes during severe storms. While its ultimate fate remains a mystery, its story serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by sailors and the fragility of maritime operations during this era.
Keywords
#SchoonerCondor #LakeMichiganStorms #1895GreatLakesStorm #MaritimeMysteries #GreatLakesHistory
unknown-shipwreck-23299 1895-09-30 07:53:00