Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ellen O’Brien
- Type: Schooner (in tow)
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length: Not specified; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Off Sheerwater (near Oswego, NY)
- Coordinates: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Ellen O’Brien was a small schooner likely used for regional cargo transport and consort work, operating under tow at the time of her loss. Schooners like her were common along the Great Lakes, particularly during the coal, timber, and stone trade peaks of the 1860s.
Description
The Ellen O’Brien was a wooden schooner that met a tragic fate due to a catastrophic boiler explosion while under tow. The incident resulted in one fatality and marked the end of her service.
History
On May 27, 1866, shortly after arriving off Sheerwater (in the vicinity of Oswego), the vessel experienced a catastrophic boiler explosion while under tow. The explosion was violent, and one life was lost in the incident. While she was under tow—presumably from a steam tug—this suggests she may have been functioning as a consort or was being repositioned.
The exact nature of the explosion is uncertain; it is possible the tug’s machinery caused the incident, though the event is recorded under Ellen O’Brien’s name.
Significant Incidents
- Boiler explosion on May 27, 1866, resulting in one fatality.
Final Disposition
Sank following the boiler explosion. No clear records indicate salvage or recovery. Further archival research may reveal a more exact location or subsequent efforts post-incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility details are pending further investigation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ellen-obrien-1866″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the Ellen O’Brien serves as a reminder of the perils faced by vessels during the 19th century, particularly those involved in the bustling trade across 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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