Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Gibson
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1870
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Port Burwell, Ontario
- Official Number: unknown
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
Description
The Gibson was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1870. It was primarily used for transporting cargo, including grain.
History
The Gibson was bound from Toledo to Buffalo, carrying 16,000 bushels of wheat. On October 31, 1875, it was caught in a powerful late-season storm off Port Burwell, driven ashore, and pounded to pieces. No loss of life was reported, although at least two crew members were washed ashore near Pentwater, Michigan.
Significant Incidents
- The Gibson was stranded during a gale on October 31, 1875.
- At least two crew members were rescued after being washed ashore.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Gibson resulted in a total loss, with the wooden hull broken up and remains likely buried under sand or removed by salvagers. No modern archaeological or diver survey has been documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck occurred at Port Burwell’s shoreline, likely resulting in scattered timbers and cargo remnants along the beach, influenced by autumn surf.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”gibson-1870″ title=”References & Links”]
The Gibson serves as a reminder of the risks associated with late-season grain transport and highlights the effectiveness of shoreline rescue efforts during the late 19th century.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Built: 1870, registry shows official number ~unknown
- Final Voyage: Bound from Toledo to Buffalo, carrying 16,000 bushels of wheat
- Date & Location of Loss: Stranded on October 31, 1875, during a gale
- Incident Summary: The Gibson was caught in a powerful late-season storm off Port Burwell (Lake Erie, Ontario), driven ashore and pounded to pieces; no loss of life reported, though at least two crew were washed ashore near Pentwater, Michigan (Marsh Collection, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, internationalmaritimelibrary.org).
Cargo & Crew
- Cargo: Wheat — very light and susceptible to shifting in heavy seas (Marsh Collection).
- Crew: Comprised of eight men; at least two were washed ashore at Pentwater, implying rescue by local beach or shoreline resources; no fatalities noted (Marsh Collection).
Wreck & Site Condition
- Site: The wreck occurred at Port Burwell’s shoreline; likely scattered timbers and cargo remnants along the beach, influenced by autumn surf.
- Condition: Total loss with wooden hull broken up; any remains now buried under sand or removed by salvagers. No modern archaeological or diver survey has been documented.
Historical & Research Context
- Market Context: Late-season grain rates were notably high (6–6½¢/bu) at the time, driving heavy traffic even in dangerous conditions (Marsh Collection).
- Captain & Ownership: Master listed as Capt. Muir; ownership details yet to be confirmed via registry or insurance archives.
- Previous Voyages: No prior incidents recorded, suggesting this was potentially her first major storm encounter.
Research Suggestions
- Newspaper Archives
- Investigate Toledo Blade, Buffalo Express, Port Burwell Gazette, and Pentwater Weekly in early November 1875 for incident reports, crew rescues, and claims details.
- Registry & Ownership Records
- Consult Toledo and Buffalo vessel registries circa 1875 to obtain ownership, tonnage, and official measurements.
- Lifesaving & Local Logs
- See if Pentwater or Ontario nocturnal lifesaving station logs or lighthouse keeper diaries detail crew rescue or beach landings.
- Beach & Marine Survey
- Shoreline surveys during low water might uncover timbers or wheat remnants; side-scan sonar could locate submerged hull sections or debris offshore.
Summary Profile
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Gibson |
| Built | 1870s wooden schooner |
| Loss | Oct 31, 1875 – stranded during gale at Port Burwell with wheat cargo |
| Crew | 8 men aboard; at least 2 washed ashore, all survived |
| Cargo | 16,000 bu wheat |
| Disposition | Pounded to pieces, total loss; remains likely buried |
Significance
- Reflects the risk and economic pressure of transporting grain late into the shipping season when markets were lucrative.
- Crew survival highlights the effectiveness of shoreline rescue efforts during late-19th-century shipwrecks.
- Archaeological field efforts could yield grain or timbers offering tangible links to maritime commerce practices of the era.