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.

Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: COURTLANDT
• Type: Bark (Schooner Barge)
• Date of Incident: June 21, 1868
• Location: Off Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie (exact coordinates undisclosed)
• Depth: 60 feet (20 meters)
• Condition: Partially buried in soft mud; deteriorated due to age and collision damage

Vessel Type Description

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.

History

Early Service

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

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.

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 State

• 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.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

• There are no current NOTMARs specifically associated with the COURTLANDT.
• Mariners and divers should navigate with caution in the area near Lorain, Ohio, due to the possibility of submerged hazards.

Located By & Date

• The wreck was reported shortly after the sinking in 1868.
• Maritime historians have documented its location, though exact coordinates are withheld to protect the site from potential disturbance.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: Advanced deterioration and partial burial in mud. Only portions of the wreck remain accessible or visible.

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.

Historical Significance

The COURTLANDT was a representative example of the bark-type schooner barges that played a critical role in 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its sinking, following a catastrophic collision with the Morning Star, is a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers faced by sailors during this period. The wreck offers insight into the design and operation of Great Lakes vessels and the challenges of maintaining safe navigation in an era of rapidly increasing lake traffic.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships
• Bowling Green State University Historical Collections: Shipwreck archives and photographs.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive resource for historical shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Records and logs documenting incidents and vessel specifications.

Conclusion

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.

Tags:

#Courtlandt #LakeErie #GreatLakesShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #BarkSchoonerBarge #LorainOhio #19thCenturyShipwrecks

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