Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cuba
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Not documented
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Approximate location based on historical records; specific coordinates not provided
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Not documented
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The CUBA was a wooden schooner used for transporting bulk goods, particularly agricultural products, across the Great Lakes. These vessels were valued for their ability to carry significant loads while remaining cost-effective. Although the exact dimensions and tonnage of the CUBA are not recorded, it was carrying a full load of wheat at the time of its loss.
Description
In May 1847, the CUBA was involved in a fatal collision with the propeller Genesee Chief on Lake Ontario. The schooner, loaded with a cargo of wheat valued at $5,000 (1847 valuation), sank rapidly after the collision. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the crew managed to escape the disaster unharmed.
History
The collision was a significant financial loss for both parties involved. While the Genesee Chief continued its service on Lake Erie after being sold, the loss of the CUBA highlighted the dangers of navigating busy Great Lakes shipping lanes.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: May 1847
- Cause of Loss: Collision with the propeller Genesee Chief
- Condition: The schooner sank rapidly with its cargo; no remains have been located or documented.
- Casualties: None reported
Final Disposition
The CUBA has not been located, and its exact resting place remains unknown. The wreck has not been explored by modern underwater surveys and is presumed lost to time. Historical records, including reports in newspapers and casualty lists, remain the primary source of information on the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The CUBA likely lies in a state of significant deterioration due to its wooden construction and the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario. The wreck is not accessible for diving or exploration, and any remains that persist are expected to be minimal.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cuba” title=”References & Links”]
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist regarding the wreck of the CUBA. However, this historical incident underscores the challenges of safe navigation in the busy shipping lanes of Lake Ontario.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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