Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Edward Blake
- Type: Schooner (later re-rigged as a Barquentine)
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: “Big Dan” Freeman at Port Burwell, Lake Erie
- Dimensions: Length: 136 ft (41.5 m); Beam: 23 ft 6 in (7.2 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft 2 in (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 360 tons
- Location: Lost near Middle Duck Island, Lake Huron, 1896
- Number of Masts: Three-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Edward Blake began its life as a schooner, a popular vessel type on the Great Lakes known for its efficiency in transporting bulk cargo. Later re-rigged as a barquentine, the vessel gained additional versatility. Barquentines, with their square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft rigging on the remaining masts, offered improved maneuverability and performance, particularly on longer voyages or in variable wind conditions.
Description
Built in 1872 by “Big Dan” Freeman, a noted shipbuilder from Port Burwell, the Edward Blake was named in honor of Edward Blake, a distinguished Canadian lawyer and political figure. For over two decades, the ship served as a vital cargo vessel, navigating the Great Lakes during an era when schooners and barquentines were the backbone of maritime commerce. Its transition to a barquentine rig reflected the evolving demands of Great Lakes shipping, allowing the vessel to remain competitive in changing conditions.
History
The Edward Blake played a critical role in transporting goods, connecting the burgeoning industrial centers of the Great Lakes region. By the 1890s, however, the vessel faced increasing challenges from modern steel-hulled steamships, which could carry more cargo and were less reliant on favorable wind conditions.
Significant Incidents
- In 1896, the Edward Blake met its end near Middle Duck Island in Lake Huron. The exact circumstances leading to the shipwreck remain unclear, but reports suggest that the vessel encountered a severe storm, a frequent hazard for sailing vessels on the unpredictable Great Lakes. The Edward Blake was unable to withstand the tempest, and it sank, marking the end of its long and storied career.
Final Disposition
The loss of the Edward Blake underscores the perils faced by sailors and vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during the late 19th century, when weather forecasting was rudimentary, and ships were vulnerable to sudden storms.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Edward Blake is known to lie near Middle Duck Island in Lake Huron, but its exact condition is not well-documented. Over a century underwater likely means significant deterioration, particularly for a wooden vessel. While the site may offer opportunities for exploration by advanced divers, further research or consultation with local diving organizations would be necessary to determine accessibility, visibility, and safety conditions.
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically concerning the wreck of the Edward Blake. Divers and maritime enthusiasts should always exercise caution when approaching potential wreck sites and confirm local advisories before exploration.
Resources & Links
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The Edward Blake stands as a testament to the maritime history of the Great Lakes, embodying the transition from traditional schooners to more versatile barquentines. Its service life highlights the importance of wooden sailing vessels in the 19th-century economy, while its loss near Middle Duck Island is a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors navigating these inland seas. For divers and historians alike, the Edward Blake represents a fascinating link to the past, offering insights into shipbuilding, commerce, and the enduring challenges of life on 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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