Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: E.B. Gannett
• Type: Schooner (two-masted)
• Year Built: 1864
• Builder: Gannett & Miner
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 71 tons (old measurement system)
• Location: Approximately 12 miles north of Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: 43.648443, -76.559069
• Official Number: 7243
• Original Owners: Gannett & Miner, Sacketts Harbor, New York
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The E.B. Gannett was a two-masted wooden schooner, typical of the mid-19th century Great Lakes fleet. These vessels were vital to the economy, transporting bulk goods like lumber, grain, and building materials such as plaster or water lime. With its wooden hull and modest tonnage of 71 tons, the E.B. Gannett was a workhorse of its time, designed to navigate the often unpredictable waters of Lake Ontario and beyond.

Description

The E.B. Gannett was constructed in 1864 on Galloo Island, Ontario, by the shipbuilders Gannett & Miner, who were based in Sacketts Harbor, New York. It became a critical part of the regional maritime trade network, moving goods across Lake Ontario during a period when schooners were the backbone of inland shipping.

Throughout its operational life, the schooner transported a variety of cargoes, including building materials such as plaster or water lime. These materials were in high demand during the mid-19th century, supporting infrastructure development across the growing settlements around the Great Lakes.

Despite its robust construction and usefulness, the E.B. Gannett faced the harsh realities of maritime navigation on Lake Ontario. The waters, known for their sudden squalls and unpredictable weather, were often unforgiving for vessels of its size and design.

History

The E.B. Gannett was constructed in 1864 on Galloo Island, Ontario, by the shipbuilders Gannett & Miner, who were based in Sacketts Harbor, New York. It became a critical part of the regional maritime trade network, moving goods across Lake Ontario during a period when schooners were the backbone of inland shipping.

Throughout its operational life, the schooner transported a variety of cargoes, including building materials such as plaster or water lime. These materials were in high demand during the mid-19th century, supporting infrastructure development across the growing settlements around the Great Lakes.

Despite its robust construction and usefulness, the E.B. Gannett faced the harsh realities of maritime navigation on Lake Ontario. The waters, known for their sudden squalls and unpredictable weather, were often unforgiving for vessels of its size and design.

Significant Incidents

• Date of Loss: August 23, 1870
• Cause: The schooner sprang a leak while navigating approximately 12 miles north of Oswego, New York.
• Cargo: Plaster or water lime.

Despite efforts to manage the leak, the damage proved too severe, and the E.B. Gannett foundered, sinking into the depths of Lake Ontario. The exact circumstances of the leak—whether from structural failure, impact, or storm damage—are unclear. The loss was a tragic but not uncommon event for schooners operating in the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

There is no record of the wreck’s modern discovery or documentation, and its precise location remains speculative. It has not been officially identified by divers or maritime historians.

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site of the E.B. Gannett. The potential location of the wreck remains unknown, and it does not present a marked hazard to modern navigation.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The loss of the E.B. Gannett is a reminder of the inherent risks faced by schooners during the golden age of Great Lakes shipping. The schooner exemplified the resilience and utility of wooden sailing vessels in supporting the burgeoning trade networks of the mid-19th century. Despite its eventual demise, the E.B. Gannett contributed significantly to the economic and infrastructure growth of the Great Lakes region. Today, its story is an enduring part of Lake Ontario’s maritime legacy.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”e-b-gannett-us-7243″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

As divers, we encourage you to respect the underwater heritage of the E.B. Gannett. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. If you encounter any debris or garbage while diving, consider removing it to help preserve the site for future generations.