Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George M. Case
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: John B. Martel in Saugatuck, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 344.49 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 12.2 m / 40 ft
- Location: Southwest of Port Colborne, Ontario
- Original Owners: P.F. Conger and George M. Case; later Captain William McDonald
- Number of Masts: Three-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The George M. Case was a three-masted wooden schooner, typical of the robust cargo carriers navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
Description
The schooner was a prominent bulk cargo vessel constructed for transporting grains, including corn and wheat, across the Great Lakes. It was meticulously built in Saugatuck, Michigan, a region known for its shipbuilding expertise in the 19th century. Initially owned by P.F. Conger and George M. Case of Fulton, New York, the schooner later transferred ownership to Captain William McDonald of Chicago, Illinois.
Captain William Daily served as the master during the vessel’s final voyage. The ship was celebrated for its ability to haul vast cargoes of grain, with a capacity of 24,500 bushels, ensuring its usefulness for commerce between major ports.
History
The George M. Case began its fateful journey bound for Buffalo, New York, carrying a full load of corn from Chicago. On October 14, 1886, while navigating Lake Erie, a powerful gale struck the vessel near Port Colborne, Ontario. The violent winds and towering waves overwhelmed the schooner, causing it to founder approximately three miles off the coast of Port Colborne.
The tragedy resulted in the deaths of three of the seven crew members. The surviving four crew members clung desperately to the ship’s spars and rigging, braving the storm until they were rescued by the tugs Rooth and W.A. Moore, which managed to arrive in time to save them.
Significant Incidents
The wreckage of the George M. Case was located approximately eight miles southwest of Port Colborne in 1887, one year after the vessel’s loss. To prevent the wreck from posing a navigational hazard to other vessels, the remains were stripped of valuable components and flattened with explosives, a common practice at the time.
Final Disposition
The wreck remains southwest of Port Colborne, in 40 feet (12.2 m) of water. Though damaged and flattened, it is an enduring reminder of the inherent risks of shipping on the Great Lakes.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The site may still hold interest for divers and historians, though its structure is significantly altered due to explosives.
Resources & Links
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The schooner George M. Case, with its rich history and tragic end, is a testament to the perils faced by sailors on 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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