Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Esperanza
- Type: Wooden propeller-driven vessel
- Year Built: 1876
- Builder: Buffalo, New York, USA
- Dimensions: Length: 57 ft (17.4 m); Beam: 9 ft (2.7 m); Depth of hold: 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 22; Net Tonnage: 11
- Location: Off Cape Croker, Georgian Bay, Ontario
- Coordinates: Approximately 45.0000°N, 81.0000°W
- Official Number: C80595
- Original Owners: Sold to Canadian interests circa 1880
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller-driven vessel, possibly a yacht or small steamer.
Description
The Esperanza was a wooden propeller-driven vessel constructed in 1876 in Buffalo, New York. With a length of 57 feet (17.4 meters), a beam of 9 feet (2.7 meters), and a depth of 5 feet (1.5 meters), she had a gross tonnage of 22 and a net tonnage of 11. Initially registered in the United States, the vessel was sold to Canadian interests around 1880. (E – Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – WordPress.com)
History
After her construction in 1876, the Esperanza served under U.S. registry before being sold to Canadian owners circa 1880. Details about her service history are limited, but she likely operated in the Great Lakes region, possibly as a private yacht or small cargo vessel. On July 30, 1907, while navigating Georgian Bay near Cape Croker, the Esperanza caught fire and was completely destroyed. The specific circumstances of the fire, including its origin and whether there were any casualties, remain undocumented.
Significant Incidents
- July 30, 1907: The Esperanza caught fire and was completely destroyed off Cape Croker.
Final Disposition
The Esperanza burned to a total loss off Cape Croker in Georgian Bay. There is no available information indicating that the vessel was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no records indicating that the wreck of the Esperanza has been located or documented by maritime archaeologists or divers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”esperanza-c80595″ title=”References & Links”]
The Esperanza serves as a historical example of the maritime risks faced by vessels operating in the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. While specific details about the vessel and the circumstances of its destruction are scarce, the event underscores the dangers of fire aboard wooden ships of that era. Further research and exploration may one day shed more light on this enigmatic shipwreck.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Esperanza
- Former Names: None known
- Official Number: C80595
- Date Built and Launched: 1876, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Measurements: Length: 57 ft (17.4 m); Beam: 9 ft (2.7 m); Depth: 5 ft (1.5 m); Gross Tonnage: 22; Net Tonnage: 11
- Date Lost: July 30, 1907
- Location: Off Cape Croker, Georgian Bay, Ontario
- Coordinates: Approximately 45.0000°N, 81.0000°W
- Cause of Loss: Fire
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller-driven vessel, possibly a yacht or small steamer
Description
The Esperanza was a wooden propeller-driven vessel constructed in 1876 in Buffalo, New York. With a length of 57 feet (17.4 meters), a beam of 9 feet (2.7 meters), and a depth of 5 feet (1.5 meters), she had a gross tonnage of 22 and a net tonnage of 11. Initially registered in the United States, the vessel was sold to Canadian interests around 1880. (E – Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – WordPress.com)
History
After her construction in 1876, the Esperanza served under U.S. registry before being sold to Canadian owners circa 1880. Details about her service history are limited, but she likely operated in the Great Lakes region, possibly as a private yacht or small cargo vessel. On July 30, 1907, while navigating Georgian Bay near Cape Croker, the Esperanza caught fire and was completely destroyed. The specific circumstances of the fire, including its origin and whether there were any casualties, remain undocumented.
Final Disposition
The Esperanza burned to a total loss off Cape Croker in Georgian Bay. There is no available information indicating that the vessel was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken.
Located By & Date Found
There are no records indicating that the wreck of the Esperanza has been located or documented by maritime archaeologists or divers.
Notmars & Advisories
- Obstruction: Due to the lack of information about the wreck’s location, there are no known navigational obstructions associated with the Esperanza near Cape Croker.
- Navigation: Mariners should always exercise caution when navigating near Cape Croker, as uncharted hazards may exist.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Esperanza serves as a historical example of the maritime risks faced by vessels operating in the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. While specific details about the vessel and the circumstances of its destruction are scarce, the event underscores the dangers of fire aboard wooden ships of that era. Further research and exploration may one day shed more light on this enigmatic shipwreck.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Esperanza, Cape Croker shipwreck, Georgian Bay maritime history, 1907 vessel fire
- Categories: Shipwrecks of Georgian Bay, Maritime incidents in Ontario, Early 20th-century vessel accidents
- Glossary Terms:
- Propeller-driven vessel: A ship propelled by a screw propeller, as opposed to paddle wheels or sails.
- Cape Croker: A prominent headland on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, known for its significance in maritime navigation.
- Fire: A destructive burning event that can lead to the loss of a vessel.
Please note that due to the limited available information, some details about the Esperanza remain unknown.
esperanza-c80595 1907-07-30 12:52:00