Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: G.M. ABELL
- Type: Brigantine / Schooner
- Year Built: 1853
- Builder: J. & J. Abbey
- Dimensions: Length: 97 ft 5 in (29.7 m); Beam: 20 ft 3 in (6.2 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft 5 in (2.9 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 198 tons (as JOHN YOUNG); 146.51 tons (as GEORGE M. ABELL)
- Location: Lake Erie (exact wreck site unknown)
- Official Number: 10219
- Original Owners: James Murray (under GEORGE M. ABELL)
- Number of Masts: Two masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The G.M. ABELL, originally built as the JOHN YOUNG, was a wooden brigantine schooner. Its carvel construction and standing bowsprit made it a versatile cargo vessel suitable for the rough conditions of the Great Lakes. With two masts and a robust design, the vessel was commonly employed for transporting goods across the lakes, enduring years of service and multiple incidents.
Description
The G.M. ABELL was a wooden brigantine schooner, built in 1853. It was known for its sturdy construction and ability to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The vessel had a length of 97 feet 5 inches, a beam of 20 feet 3 inches, and a depth of 9 feet 5 inches. It was registered with a tonnage of 198 tons as JOHN YOUNG and later 146.51 tons as GEORGE M. ABELL.
History
Construction and Early Service:
1853: Built by J. & J. Abbey in Port Robinson, Ontario, and launched as the JOHN YOUNG. Registered as a Class C vessel with a tonnage of 198 tons, it served ports in Ontario and Ohio, including Dunkirk, Hamilton, and Cleveland.
1858 Incident: Capsized off Erie, Pennsylvania. The crew was rescued, and the vessel was towed to Buffalo by the steamer Missouri.
1861 Incident: Sprang a leak on Lake Erie, underwent repairs, and later collided with the brig Walbridge near Bar Point. Both vessels were repaired.
Transition and Renaming:
1864: Renamed GEORGE M. ABELL (or ABLE) under new ownership by James Murray in Dunkirk, Ontario. Continued as a cargo vessel, transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
1871: Re-registered in the U.S. with a tonnage of 146.51 tons under the official number 10219. Operated out of Cleveland, Ohio.
Final Voyage:
August 29, 1871: The vessel encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie. Unable to withstand the weather, the G.M. ABELL broke apart, marking the end of its nearly two-decade career. Specific details of the incident, including salvage attempts or crew fate, remain undocumented.
Significant Incidents
- 1858: Capsized off Erie, Pennsylvania; crew rescued.
- 1861: Sprang a leak on Lake Erie; repaired and later collided with brig Walbridge.
- August 29, 1871: Lost in a storm on Lake Erie, breaking apart.
Final Disposition
The G.M. ABELL was lost in a storm on Lake Erie on August 29, 1871, breaking apart in the violent weather. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, with no formal discovery or documentation of its final resting place.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the G.M. ABELL remains undiscovered, and its condition is unknown. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
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The G.M. ABELL, built as the JOHN YOUNG, was a hardworking vessel that embodied the economic and industrial importance of Great Lakes shipping during the mid-19th century. Its service life, marked by resilience in the face of multiple incidents, highlights the challenging conditions of the time. The vessel’s loss in 1871 remains a poignant reminder of the risks faced by mariners and the unforgiving power of 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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