Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Finnie
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: G. Goble
- Dimensions: Length: 130 ft (39.62 m); Beam: 26 ft; Depth of hold: 10 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 301 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 100 ft
- Location: 11.3 NM/185.9° T from Port Maitland, 20.2 NM/230.7° T from Port Colborne, 15.6 NM/313.3° T from Dunkirk
- Coordinates: N 42° 40.087' W 79° 36.250'
- Official Number: 10545
- Original Owners: [Owner details not provided]
- Number of Masts: Three-masted Schooner (later converted to two-masted)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The GEORGE FINNIE was originally constructed as a three-masted wooden schooner, a common rigging type for cargo vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The schooner was known for its versatility in handling various cargoes such as grain, lumber, and coal. Its design allowed it to navigate the often rough and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. The vessel was later converted into a two-masted schooner, possibly to improve its sailing efficiency or to adapt to changing cargo demands.
Description
Built in 1866 at Oswego, New York, by G. Goble, the GEORGE FINNIE was a robust and reliable vessel that served the Great Lakes for 25 years. With a length of 130 feet, a beam of 26 feet, and a draft of 10 feet, the schooner had a gross tonnage of 301 tons, making it a sizable cargo carrier for its time.
Throughout its years of service, the GEORGE FINNIE was an integral part of the maritime commerce that fueled the economy of the Great Lakes region. It transported various goods between ports, contributing to the economic growth of cities and towns along the lakes.
History
However, the vessel’s career came to a tragic end on November 17, 1891, when it foundered in a gale while navigating the waters of Lake Erie. The schooner was caught in a powerful storm that it could not withstand, leading to its sinking. All seven crew members aboard the GEORGE FINNIE were lost in the disaster, marking a somber chapter in the vessel’s history.
Significant Incidents
- Foundered in a gale on November 17, 1891, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the GEORGE FINNIE now lies at a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) on the bottom of Lake Erie. The wreck site is located 11.3 nautical miles from Port Maitland, 20.2 nautical miles from Port Colborne, and 15.6 nautical miles from Dunkirk. The coordinates for the site are N 42° 40.087′ W 79° 36.250′.
Divers visiting the site will find an orange and white mooring buoy attached to the windlass of the wreck, aiding in locating and exploring the remains of the GEORGE FINNIE. The wreck is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes and serves as a historical site for those interested in maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the GEORGE FINNIE is accessible to divers and serves as a significant diving site, reflecting the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-finnie-us-10545″ title=”References & Links”]
The GEORGE FINNIE represents a significant piece of Great Lakes history, illustrating the perils of maritime trade in the late 19th century. The vessel’s loss during a gale in November 1891, with the tragic loss of all seven crew members, highlights the risks that sailors faced while navigating the often unpredictable and dangerous waters of Lake Erie. Today, the wreck of the GEORGE FINNIE serves as both a diving site and a historical artifact, allowing us to reflect on the legacy of those who sailed these waters.
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.
- Vessel Name: GEORGE FINNIE
- Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
- Depth: 100 feet (30 meters)
- Location: 11.3 NM/185.9° T from Port Maitland, 20.2 NM/230.7° T from Port Colborne, 15.6 NM/313.3° T from Dunkirk
- Coordinates: N 42° 40.087′ W 79° 36.250′
- Nation of Registry: United States
- Official Number: 10545
- Year Built: 1866
- Built At: Oswego, New York
- Builder: G. Goble
- Hull Materials: Wood
- Rig: Three-masted Schooner (later converted to two-masted)
- Dimensions:
Length: 130 feet - Beam (Width): 26 feet
- Draft: 10 feet
- Gross Tonnage: 301 tons
- Propulsion: Sail
- Owner: [Owner details not provided
Vessel Type Description
The GEORGE FINNIE was originally constructed as a three-masted wooden schooner, a common rigging type for cargo vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The schooner was known for its versatility in handling various cargoes such as grain, lumber, and coal. Its design allowed it to navigate the often rough and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. The vessel was later converted into a two-masted schooner, possibly to improve its sailing efficiency or to adapt to changing cargo demands.
History
Built in 1866 at Oswego, New York, by G. Goble, the GEORGE FINNIE was a robust and reliable vessel that served the Great Lakes for 25 years. With a length of 130 feet, a beam of 26 feet, and a draft of 10 feet, the schooner had a gross tonnage of 301 tons, making it a sizable cargo carrier for its time.
Throughout its years of service, the GEORGE FINNIE was an integral part of the maritime commerce that fueled the economy of the Great Lakes region. It transported various goods between ports, contributing to the economic growth of cities and towns along the lakes.
However, the vessel’s career came to a tragic end on November 17, 1891, when it foundered in a gale while navigating the waters of Lake Erie. The schooner was caught in a powerful storm that it could not withstand, leading to its sinking. All seven crew members aboard the GEORGE FINNIE were lost in the disaster, marking a somber chapter in the vessel’s history.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the GEORGE FINNIE now lies at a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) on the bottom of Lake Erie. The wreck site is located 11.3 nautical miles from Port Maitland, 20.2 nautical miles from Port Colborne, and 15.6 nautical miles from Dunkirk. The coordinates for the site are N 42° 40.087′ W 79° 36.250′.
Divers visiting the site will find an orange and white mooring buoy attached to the windlass of the wreck, aiding in locating and exploring the remains of the GEORGE FINNIE. The wreck is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes and serves as a historical site for those interested in maritime history.
Resources & Links
- Niagara Divers Association
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Tags
Shipwreck, Schooner, Lake Erie, Great Lakes Maritime History, Port Dover, Niagara Divers Association, 9th Century Vessel
Conclusion
The GEORGE FINNIE represents a significant piece of Great Lakes history, illustrating the perils of maritime trade in the late 19th century. The vessel’s loss during a gale in November 1891, with the tragic loss of all seven crew members, highlights the risks that sailors faced while navigating the often unpredictable and dangerous waters of Lake Erie. Today, the wreck of the GEORGE FINNIE serves as both a diving site and a historical artifact, allowing us to reflect on the legacy of those who sailed these waters.
george-finnie-us-10545 1891-11-17 07:47:00