Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ganges
- Type: Wooden-schooner
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: J. Oades in Detroit
- Dimensions: 135 ft × 26 ft × 12 ft; 333 GRT / 317 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 333 GRT / 317 NRT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12.8 m / 42 ft
- Location: 8 miles south-southwest of Colchester, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 85 325
- Original Owners: Joseph Parsons (captain and owner), Walter H. Oades (co-owner)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden-schooner, an example of late-19th-century vessels designed for bulk freight transport.
Description
Description
The Ganges was a wooden schooner measuring 135 feet in length, built in 1874. It was under tow when it sank after a collision with the steel steamer Presque Isle.
History
History
Owned and captained by Joseph Parsons, the Ganges was co-owned by Walter H. Oades, the son of its builder. It was likely used for bulk freight, although it was unladen during its final voyage.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- May 16, 1899: The Ganges sank after being rammed by the steel steamer Presque Isle in Lake Erie.
- All crew members, including Captain Joseph Parsons and seven others, were rescued with no lives lost.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Ganges sank rapidly to near-deck level in approximately 42 feet of water, settling intact on the bottom due to a lack of cargo ballast.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck may remain in intact condition, preserved by the relatively shallow freshwater of Lake Erie, making it a candidate for archaeological documentation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ganges-1874″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Ganges serves as a significant historical site, illustrating the vulnerabilities of wooden vessels in collisions with steel ships. Its well-documented sinking provides valuable insights into maritime safety and collision dynamics.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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