Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: GENESEE CHIEF
- Type: Steam Screw (later converted to a barge)
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: Carthage, New York
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 429 tons
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
- Official Number: U.S. No. 10243
- Original Owners: Operated initially from Rochester, New York, and later adapted and managed by various owners.
- Number of Masts: Adapted to meet changing operational demands.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The GENESEE CHIEF began its career as a steam screw vessel, equipped for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Its robust design facilitated heavy cargo operations. After its conversion to a barge in 1868, it served primarily in lumber transportation, showcasing its versatility and durability despite its age.
Description
Built in 1846 in Carthage, New York, the GENESEE CHIEF had a distinguished and eventful career spanning several decades. It operated initially as a steam screw vessel from Rochester, New York, and was known for its financial success for its owners.
History
The vessel’s history reflects its resilience and adaptability, undergoing various repairs and transformations while maintaining its utility. Its conversion to a barge in 1868 allowed it to remain a valuable asset for transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:
- May 1847: Collided with the Schooner CUBA on Lake Ontario, below Niagara. The collision resulted in the sinking of the wheat-laden schooner, though no lives were lost.
- April 14, 1868: Caught fire while at Clark’s dry dock in Detroit, causing damages estimated at $15,000.
- 1878: Damaged in a storm on Lake Huron. Despite this, it was patched up and continued service as a lumber carrier.
Final Disposition
The GENESEE CHIEF continued to operate successfully even after its conversion to a barge. While specific details of its ultimate fate are not provided, its enduring service under various configurations highlights its importance in Great Lakes maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The GENESEE CHIEF is a testament to the resilience and versatility of 19th-century Great Lakes vessels. From its early days as a steam screw to its later years as a barge, the ship played a vital role in the regional economy. Despite its many challenges, including collisions, fire, and storm damage, it remained in service for decades, leaving a lasting legacy in Great Lakes maritime history.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”genesee-chief-us-10243″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
As divers explore the waters of Lake Ontario, they are reminded to respect the history of the GENESEE CHIEF and to engage in no-touch documentation methods. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and be the diver that makes a difference.
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.
Wreck Report: Steam Screw GENESEE CHIEF
Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Name: GENESEE CHIEF
- Vessel Type: Steam Screw (later converted to a barge)
- Year Built: 1846
- Place Built: Carthage, New York
- Initial Registry: U.S. No. 10243
- Tonnage: 429 tons
- Home Port: Detroit, Michigan
- Ownership History: Operated initially from Rochester, New York, and later adapted and managed by various owners.
- Final Configuration: Converted to a barge on September 5, 1868.
Vessel Type Description
The GENESEE CHIEF began its career as a steam screw vessel, equipped for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Its robust design facilitated heavy cargo operations. After its conversion to a barge in 1868, it served primarily in lumber transportation, showcasing its versatility and durability despite its age.
History
Built in 1846 in Carthage, New York, the GENESEE CHIEF had a distinguished and eventful career spanning several decades. It operated initially as a steam screw vessel from Rochester, New York, and was known for its financial success for its owners.
Significant Incidents:
- May 1847: Collided with the Schooner CUBA on Lake Ontario, below Niagara. The collision resulted in the sinking of the wheat-laden schooner, though no lives were lost.
- April 14, 1868: Caught fire while at Clark’s dry dock in Detroit, causing damages estimated at $15,000.
- 1878: Damaged in a storm on Lake Huron. Despite this, it was patched up and continued service as a lumber carrier.
The vessel’s history reflects its resilience and adaptability, undergoing various repairs and transformations while maintaining its utility. Its conversion to a barge in 1868 allowed it to remain a valuable asset for transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber.
Final Disposition
The GENESEE CHIEF continued to operate successfully even after its conversion to a barge. While specific details of its ultimate fate are not provided, its enduring service under various configurations highlights its importance in Great Lakes maritime history.
Notable Features
- Rigging Changes: Adapted to meet changing operational demands, including its conversion from a steam screw to a barge.
- Cargo History: Known for carrying wheat, lumber, and other goods critical to the region’s economy.
- Incidents: Despite collisions and fire damage, the vessel was repeatedly repaired and returned to service.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion
The GENESEE CHIEF is a testament to the resilience and versatility of 19th-century Great Lakes vessels. From its early days as a steam screw to its later years as a barge, the ship played a vital role in the regional economy. Despite its many challenges, including collisions, fire, and storm damage, it remained in service for decades, leaving a lasting legacy in Great Lakes maritime history.
Keywords GENESEE CHIEF Steam screw vessel Lake Ontario collision Detroit fire incident Great Lakes lumber barge•19th-century shipping history
genesee-chief-us-10243 1878-03-14 07:53:00