E.F. Gain (1867)

Explore the wreck of the E.F. Gain, a wooden schooner lost in a storm in 1875, with all crew members surviving the incident.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: E.F. Gain
  • Type: Wooden schooner
  • Year Built: 1867
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Lake Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The E.F. Gain was a wooden schooner primarily used for lumber transport. The specific shipyard where it was built has not yet been identified.

Description

The E.F. Gain was engaged in the lumber trade when it met its fate. On September 9, 1875, the vessel was caught in a severe autumn storm, which led to its grounding on a lee shore. The hull became waterlogged, resulting in the vessel sinking. Fortunately, all crew members survived the incident, managing to swim ashore safely.

History

Reports indicate that the E.F. Gain was caught in a severe autumn storm, which caused it to be driven ashore. The vessel sustained significant hull damage, took on water, and eventually sank. The crew’s successful escape, with no recorded fatalities, highlights the resilience of those aboard.

Significant Incidents

  • The E.F. Gain was caught in a severe autumn storm.
  • The vessel was thrown onto a lee shore, sustained hull damage, took on water, and eventually sank.
  • Crew made a successful escape by swimming to shore, with no recorded fatalities.

Final Disposition

After the grounding and subsequent sinking, the E.F. Gain remains unlocated. The wreck site is hypothesized to be in shallow waters off a lee shore in Michigan or Wisconsin.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the circumstances of the sinking, the remains of the E.F. Gain may include hull fragments, iron fittings, and remnants of its lumber cargo. Further investigation is needed to locate the wreck site.

Resources & Links

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The E.F. Gain serves as a significant reminder of the mid-19th-century lumber schooners that frequently faced the hazards of seasonal storms. Its wreck emphasizes the dangers of lee-shore grounding, and locating its remains could provide valuable insights into the construction and navigation practices of the time.

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Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.

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