Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: E.B. Allen
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: Ogdensburg, NY
- Dimensions: 134 ft (41 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 275 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 33 m / 100 ft
- Location: Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: N 45° 00.976′ W 83° 09.899′
- Official Number: 7818
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The E.B. Allen was a wooden schooner, a workhorse of the 19th century on the Great Lakes. Known for their multiple masts and efficient design, schooners were vital for transporting bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, and lumber. The E.B. Allen exemplifies the robust and versatile nature of these vessels, which were crucial to the thriving commerce of the region during that era.
Description
The wreck of the E.B. Allen lies in 100 feet (33 meters) of water off Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. While much of the decking has deteriorated, the hull remains largely intact. Key features such as the windlass, anchor chains, and rudder are still visible, making the wreck an intriguing dive site for exploration.
History
Construction and Use:
Built in 1864 in Ogdensburg, New York, the E.B. Allen was employed primarily in the grain trade, connecting ports on the Great Lakes. With a gross tonnage of 275, the schooner was well-suited for carrying heavy loads over long distances.
Final Voyage:
On September 18, 1871, the E.B. Allen was en route from Chicago to Buffalo carrying a cargo of grain. In the dense fog near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron, the schooner collided with the bark Newsboy, which tore a large hole in the E.B. Allen’s port side. The vessel quickly took on water and sank, but fortunately, the entire crew was rescued by the Newsboy’s crew.
Aftermath:
The collision resulted in the total loss of the E.B. Allen and its valuable cargo of grain. The sinking highlights the hazards of Great Lakes navigation, where unpredictable weather and limited visibility often led to accidents.
Significant Incidents
- September 18, 1871: Collision with the bark Newsboy in dense fog, leading to the sinking of the E.B. Allen.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the E.B. Allen has been known since shortly after its sinking and is now a popular dive site within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this site.
Diving Advisory: Divers should be cautious of entanglement hazards and the potential for limited visibility in the area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”e-b-allen-us-7818″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The E.B. Allen is a vivid reminder of the Great Lakes’ rich maritime heritage. Its wreck, lying off Thunder Bay Island, is a window into the past, offering insights into the design, construction, and operations of 19th-century schooners. The site continues to attract divers and historians, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and challenges of maritime life in the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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