Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: David Stewart
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: Likely mid-19th century
- Builder: Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: 171 ft (52 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 518 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 8 m / 25 ft
- Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie, 250 yards offshore, Pigeon Bay near Leamington, Ontario
- Coordinates: N 41 58.692 W 82 32.940
- Original Owners: Peck, Marine City
- Number of Masts: Three-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The David Stewart was a large wooden-hulled schooner, built for durability and long-distance transport across the Great Lakes. With a gross tonnage of 518 tons and a three-masted rigging, it was a robust vessel capable of handling significant cargo loads. Its design exemplified the 19th-century schooner tradition, emphasizing functionality and resilience for the challenging Great Lakes environment.
Description
The David Stewart had a distinguished and eventful service life, weathering numerous incidents before its final loss. Constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, the vessel served as a vital cog in the bustling trade networks of the Great Lakes, ferrying goods between key ports.
History
The David Stewart had a distinguished and eventful service life, weathering numerous incidents before its final loss. Constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, the vessel served as a vital cog in the bustling trade networks of the Great Lakes, ferrying goods between key ports.
Significant Incidents
- In 1868, the schooner grounded twice in separate incidents, first on Peach Island in the Detroit River and later on Pilot Island in Green Bay. The vessel was refloated and repaired, showcasing its durability and importance to its owners.
- In 1891, the schooner stranded during a gale near Geneva, Ohio, but was successfully released, continuing its service.
- Ownership Changes: By the late 19th century, John W. Squires of Marine City, Michigan, acquired the vessel, highlighting its continued utility despite its age.
Final Disposition
On October 6, 1893, the David Stewart anchored off the west side of Point Pelee, seeking refuge from a severe southwest gale. Despite attempts to ride out the storm, the vessel succumbed to the powerful waves, sinking just 250 yards from the shore.
Crew’s Ordeal: Five men and one woman survived by clinging to the rigging for 14 hours amidst rough seas before being rescued by the fishing tug Louise from Sandusky, Ohio.
Loss: The schooner and its cargo were valued at approximately $18,000, a significant sum for the time. Both were declared a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The David Stewart lies in relatively shallow water at a depth of 25 feet (8 meters), making it accessible for recreational divers. The wreck is located near Pigeon Bay, a short distance from shore, but conditions such as visibility and debris accumulation may affect exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”david-stewart” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The David Stewart is a testament to the challenges of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. From its construction in Cleveland to its tragic sinking near Point Pelee, the vessel represents the resilience and peril of maritime life. The wreck’s proximity to shore and its accessibility at 25 feet of depth make it a poignant dive site for exploring the historical narrative of Great Lakes shipping. The schooner’s story, marked by survival, loss, and endurance, continues to captivate maritime enthusiasts and historians alike.
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
- Vessel Name: David Stewart
- Type: Schooner
- Depth: 25 feet (8 meters)
- Length: 171 feet (52 meters)
- Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie, 250 yards offshore, Pigeon Bay near Leamington, Ontario
- Coordinates: N 41 58.692 W 82 32.940
- Year Built: Likely mid-19th century
- Built At: Cleveland, Ohio
- Owner at Loss: Peck, Marine City
- Hull Materials: Wood
- Gross Tonnage: 518 tons
- Final Cargo: Not specified
- Registry: United States
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The David Stewart was a large wooden-hulled schooner, built for durability and long-distance transport across the Great Lakes. With a gross tonnage of 518 tons and a three-masted rigging, it was a robust vessel capable of handling significant cargo loads. Its design exemplified the 19th-century schooner tradition, emphasizing functionality and resilience for the challenging Great Lakes environment.
HISTORY
The David Stewart had a distinguished and eventful service life, weathering numerous incidents before its final loss. Constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, the vessel served as a vital cog in the bustling trade networks of the Great Lakes, ferrying goods between key ports.
Incidents:
- In 1868, the schooner grounded twice in separate incidents, first on Peach Island in the Detroit River and later on Pilot Island in Green Bay. The vessel was refloated and repaired, showcasing its durability and importance to its owners.
- In 1891, the schooner stranded during a gale near Geneva, Ohio, but was successfully released, continuing its service.
- Ownership Changes: By the late 19th century, John W. Squires of Marine City, Michigan, acquired the vessel, highlighting its continued utility despite its age.
FINAL DISPOSITION
On October 6, 1893, the David Stewart anchored off the west side of Point Pelee, seeking refuge from a severe southwest gale. Despite attempts to ride out the storm, the vessel succumbed to the powerful waves, sinking just 250 yards from the shore.
Crew’s Ordeal: Five men and one woman survived by clinging to the rigging for 14 hours amidst rough seas before being rescued by the fishing tug Louise from Sandusky, Ohio.
Loss: The schooner and its cargo were valued at approximately $18,000, a significant sum for the time. Both were declared a total loss.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The David Stewart lies in relatively shallow water at a depth of 25 feet (8 meters), making it accessible for recreational divers. The wreck is located near Pigeon Bay, a short distance from shore, but conditions such as visibility and debris accumulation may affect exploration.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive records of the schooner and its operational history.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival documents detailing the shipwreck.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database entry for the David Stewart.
- Louise Tug Records: Chronicles of the rescue effort.
- Peck Marine City Records: Ownership and operational details.
KEYWORDS
David Stewart | Schooner | Point Pelee | Lake Erie Shipwreck | Maritime History | Great Lakes Navigation | Foundering in Gale | Pigeon Bay Dive Site | 19th Century Shipping | Louise Tug Rescue
CONCLUSION
The David Stewart is a testament to the challenges of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. From its construction in Cleveland to its tragic sinking near Point Pelee, the vessel represents the resilience and peril of maritime life. The wreck’s proximity to shore and its accessibility at 25 feet of depth make it a poignant dive site for exploring the historical narrative of Great Lakes shipping. The schooner’s story, marked by survival, loss, and endurance, continues to captivate maritime enthusiasts and historians alike.
david-stewartyear-built-30 1893-10-06 07:52:00