Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Dean Richmond
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller-driven steamer
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: Quayle & Martin
- Dimensions: Length 238 ft (72.5 m); Beam 33.3 ft (10.1 m); Depth of hold 14.6 ft (4.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 1,036 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 100 ft
- Location: Lake Erie, near Dunkirk, New York
- Coordinates: Latitude 42°30′N, Longitude 79°20′W
- Original Owners: Erie & Western Transportation Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Dean Richmond was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer, designed for bulk cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Propelled by a single screw engine, it was used to carry coal, grain, and other goods vital to the industrial growth of the region. The vessel was known for its robust construction, typical of mid-19th century steamers that serviced growing industries and cities along the lakes.
Description
The Dean Richmond, built in Cleveland in 1864, was part of the Erie & Western Transportation Company fleet, which played a significant role in facilitating trade across the Great Lakes. Named after Dean Richmond, a prominent New York railroad magnate, the vessel was emblematic of the era’s industrial expansion.
History
On October 14, 1893, the Dean Richmond was transporting coal from Buffalo, New York, to Toledo, Ohio, when it encountered a powerful storm on Lake Erie. Known for its sudden and treacherous storms, the lake’s weather conditions overwhelmed the steamer. The Dean Richmond’s hull reportedly began taking on water, and the vessel lost power in the fierce waves. Despite the crew’s efforts to manage the situation, the steamer capsized and sank near Dunkirk, New York.
Tragically, 18 crew members lost their lives, with no survivors reported. The sinking of the Dean Richmond stands as one of the most devastating maritime tragedies on Lake Erie during the late 19th century.
Significant Incidents
- The Dean Richmond sank on October 14, 1893, during a storm on Lake Erie.
- 18 crew members perished in the incident, with no survivors.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Dean Richmond was located off Dunkirk, New York, in Lake Erie. It rests at a depth of approximately 90–100 feet (27–30 meters). The wreck remains largely intact, with its wooden hull preserved by the cold, fresh waters of the lake. The vessel’s final position has been a site of interest for divers and maritime historians, though it is considered a grave site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Dean Richmond is relatively well-preserved, given its age and the environmental conditions of Lake Erie. The wooden hull and superstructure have survived remarkably due to the lack of saltwater corrosion. Divers visiting the site can observe:
- The collapsed hull.
- Machinery components, including remnants of the engine and propeller.
The depth of the site makes it accessible to experienced divers with proper equipment. Visibility can range from poor to moderate, depending on weather conditions and sediment levels.
Resources & Links
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The wreck of the Dean Richmond is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners in the 19th century. Its tragic sinking in 1893 underscores the challenges of navigating these vast inland seas, particularly during the unpredictable storm season. Today, the wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a memorial to the crew members who lost their lives. Its preservation in the depths of Lake Erie offers valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and the harsh realities of maritime commerce.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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