Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Darien (pre-1870)

Explore the wreck of the Darien, a wooden bulk carrier lost in 1870, illustrating the challenges faced by early Great Lakes schooners.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Darien
  • Type: Wooden Bulk Carrier (Iron Ore Schooner)
  • Year Built: Likely mid-19th century
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: Not recorded; typical for small-tonnage ore schooners of the era (circa 50–200 tons)
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 3.35 m / 11 ft
  • Location: Stranded in ~11 feet of water—specific lake uncertain (likely Lake Michigan or Huron)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

A small wooden iron-ore schooner engaged in regional bulk transport—typical of early Great Lakes ore traders using shallow-draft vessels before the advent of steel-hulled freighters.

Description

Though no plans or dimensions are extant, Darien matched mid-19th century shallow-draft ore schooners. Designed for short runs from small ore pits or ports, likely scow-schooner-style or simple flat-bottom hull to navigate shallow zones. Equipped for carrying heavy bulk ore in modest holds.

History

  • Historical records beyond the Swayze-derived summary are absent. Database entry indicates:
    • Loss: stranded and broke in two when grounded in shallow water (~11 ft) while carrying iron ore.
    • Crew saved by U.S. lighthouse keepers—indicating proximity to a staffed lighthouse and coastal port region.
  • No registry number, build date, ownership, or master data located in Swayze’s summaries or modern compilations.

Significant Incidents

  • No Notices to Mariners listed; the wreck site remains unnamed on navigational charts.
  • No official hazard bulletins or later references in hydrographic records.

Final Disposition

  • Turned into two sections after grounding; left as a total loss.
  • With no salvage documented, the wreck was abandoned in-place and likely remains buried or disintegrated in shallow water.
  • No follow-up salvage, legal inquiry, or insurance outcome is recorded.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck remains uncharted and is likely buried or disintegrated in shallow water, with no recent assessments available.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”darien-pre-1870″ title=”References & Links”]

The Darien serves as a reminder of the risks faced by early ore schooners in the Great Lakes, highlighting the importance of maritime infrastructure in ensuring crew safety.

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.

Wooden Bulk Carrier (Iron Ore Schooner)
Stranded & Lost: October 31, 1870 – Lake Michigan / Lake Huron Region

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Darien
  • Built: Likely mid‑19th century, wood‑hulled iron‑ore carrier
  • Tonnage (approx.): Not recorded; typical for small‑tonnage ore schooners of the era (circa 50–200 tons)
  • Loss Date: October 31, 1870
  • Location: Stranded in ~11 feet of water—specific lake uncertain (likely Lake Michigan or Huron, based on iron ore route)
  • Cargo: Iron ore
  • Casualties: None reported; crew rescued by U.S. lighthouse crew (per shipwreck file entry)

Vessel Type

A small wooden iron‑ore schooner engaged in regional bulk transport—typical of early Great Lakes ore traders using shallow‑draft vessels before the advent of steel‑hulled freighters.

Description

Though no plans or dimensions are extant, Darien matched mid‑19th century shallow‑draft ore schooners. Designed for short runs from small ore pits or ports, likely scow‑schooner–style or simple flat‑bottom hull to navigate shallow zones. Equipped for carrying heavy bulk ore in modest holds.

History & Operational Profile

  • Historical records beyond the Swayze‑derived summary are absent. Database entry indicates:
    • Loss: stranded and broke in two when grounded in shallow water (~11 ft) while carrying iron ore.
    • Crew saved by U.S. lighthouse keepers—indicating proximity to a staffed lighthouse and coastal port region.
  • No registry number, build date, ownership, or master data located in Swayze’s summaries or modern compilations.

Final Disposition

  • Turned into two sections after grounding; left as a total loss.
  • With no salvage documented, the wreck was abandoned in‑place and likely remains buried or disintegrated in shallow water.
  • No follow‑up salvage, legal inquiry, or insurance outcome is recorded.

Notmars & Advisories

  • No Notices to Mariners listed; the wreck site remains unnamed on navigational charts.
  • No official hazard bulletins or later references in hydrographic records.

Significance & Historical Context

  • Illustrates risks faced by early ore schooners operating in confined waterways.
  • The rescue by lighthouse personnel underscores how maritime infrastructure supported even small vessels.
  • Although modest in scale, such losses cumulatively informed the shift to deeper, steel‑hull ships and greater safety standards.

Research Gaps & Suggested Follow-Up

  • Primary newspaper archives (circa November 1870) for lighthouse logs, on‑scene rescue descriptions, and cargo manifest or owner details. Candidate locations: Milwaukee, Chicago, or Oshkosh papers if Lighthouse was on Lake Michigan.
  • United States Light House Service reports or U.S. Coast Guard historical logs, especially from 1870, may document crew rescue.
  • Insurance underwriter records or ship registry listings could supply builder or ownership information.

Minimal Source Base

Keywords & Categories

Iron ore schooner | Stranding | Shallow‑water loss | Lighthouse rescue | 1870 wreck | No casualties | Mid‑19th century ore trade

darien-pre-1870 1870-10-31 17:08:00