Courtlandt (1867)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: COURTLANDT
• Type: Bark (Schooner Barge)
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: A.G. Huntley (Hunter)
• Dimensions: Length: 195 ft (59.4 m); Beam: 34 ft 6 in (10.5 m); Depth of hold: 13 ft 6 in (4.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 676.13 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 20 m / 60 ft
• Location: Off Lorain, Ohio
• Coordinates: exact coordinates undisclosed
• Original Owners: A.P. Lyman
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The COURTLANDT was a wooden-hulled bark, built in 1867 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, by A.G. Huntley (Hunter) for A.P. Lyman. Designed for bulk freight transport across the Great Lakes, the vessel featured:

• Three masts
• A single deck
• A gross tonnage of 676.13 tons
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 195 feet (59.4 meters)
  • Beam: 34 feet 6 inches (10.5 meters)
  • Depth: 13 feet 6 inches (4.1 meters)

The COURTLANDT was capable of carrying large bulk cargoes such as iron ore or corn, making it an essential asset for Great Lakes commerce during its brief service life.

Description

The COURTLANDT was launched in 1867 and quickly became an integral part of the shipping industry, transporting goods efficiently across the Great Lakes.

History

Collision & Sinking
On June 21, 1868, while en route from Escanaba, Michigan, to Cleveland, Ohio, with a load of iron ore or corn, the COURTLANDT collided with the sidewheeler Morning Star. The collision occurred off Lorain, Ohio, in Lake Erie during the night, resulting in severe damage to both vessels. The COURTLANDT sank rapidly into the soft mud of the lakebed.

Casualties & Rescue
Several lives were lost in the disaster, though exact numbers remain unclear. Survivors were rescued by the steamer R.N. Rice. The collision underscored the dangers of nighttime navigation and the challenges of avoiding collisions in the busy shipping lanes of the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

• Collision with the sidewheeler Morning Star on June 21, 1868.
• Several lives lost; survivors rescued by R.N. Rice.

Final Disposition

Salvage Efforts
Salvage operations, led by Captain W.B. Scott of Cleveland, began shortly after the sinking. Efforts were focused on recovering valuable rigging, sails, and other items, which were valued at approximately $2,000. The wreck was found lying nearly on its side, embedded in several feet of soft mud, with much of the hull buried. Due to the vessel’s position and the difficulty of accessing it, salvage work was abandoned, leaving the wreck largely untouched.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck remains partially buried in 60 feet of water, with soft mud covering its bulwarks. Deterioration has likely progressed due to over 150 years of exposure to the elements and underwater conditions.

Accessibility: The undisclosed location limits general access. Diving in the area may be challenging due to the site’s condition and the sediment covering significant parts of the wreck.

Resources & Links

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The COURTLANDT, despite its brief service, played an important role in the bulk cargo trade of the Great Lakes. Its untimely sinking in 1868 serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by mariners and the unpredictable nature of lake navigation. The wreck, now partially buried and inaccessible, remains a significant historical artifact, preserving the memory of a vital period in maritime history.