Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Dolphin
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 139 tons
- Location: Lake Huron, near Goderich
- Original Owners: Jenessen
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The DOLPHIN was a wooden schooner designed for cargo transportation on the Great Lakes, particularly suited for carrying bulk materials such as lumber. With a capacity of 139 tons, the vessel was a vital component of the lumber trade, connecting industries and markets across the Great Lakes region.
Description
The DOLPHIN was a well-known vessel in the Great Lakes lumber trade, operating out of East Saginaw, Michigan, and owned by Jenessen. On October 24, 1887, a violent storm swept through Lake Huron, claiming multiple vessels, including the schooners DOLPHIN and NORRIS. The DOLPHIN’s cargo of lumber and all crew members were lost to the storm.
History
Eyewitness accounts from the rescued crew of the NORRIS provided insight into the disaster. The DOLPHIN reportedly broke away from its tow line during the gale and subsequently capsized and sank. Efforts to locate survivors were futile, as the entire crew perished. The NORRIS, though heavily damaged, was saved thanks to the heroic intervention of the schooner BRECK, which rescued its crew just in time.
In the aftermath of the storm, wreckage from multiple vessels washed ashore near Goderich, Ontario, including remnants of the DOLPHIN. Tragically, the body of a young woman, possibly from another vessel lost earlier that month, was also found on the shore.
Significant Incidents
- The DOLPHIN sank during a severe storm on October 24, 1887.
- All crew members lost their lives in the incident.
- Wreckage from the DOLPHIN was found near Goderich.
Final Disposition
The DOLPHIN sank in Lake Huron during the storm of October 1887, resulting in the complete loss of the vessel and its crew. The wreckage of the DOLPHIN, believed to have drifted ashore near Goderich, was identified amidst debris from other ships.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the DOLPHIN is not accessible for diving due to its location and the conditions of the site. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
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The schooner DOLPHIN serves as a testament to the bravery of sailors and the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes. While the vessel and its crew were lost, their story lives on as a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who risked their lives in the pursuit of trade and livelihood across these treacherous waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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