Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Grace Amelia (also known as Amelia Grace)
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1836
- Builder: W. S. Reafield
- Dimensions: Length 60 ft (18.3 m); Beam 20 ft; Depth 5 ft
- Registered Tonnage: ~45 old-style tons
- Location: Lake Erie (exact site unreported)
- Official Number: Not recorded
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Grace Amelia is classified as a two-masted wooden schooner, a common vessel type for coastal cargo transport during the early 19th century.
Description
Built in 1836 by W. S. Reafield in Sandusky, Ohio, the Grace Amelia featured a wooden hull and one deck. It was primarily used for coastal cargo, likely transporting lumber or general merchandise.
History
The operational history of the Grace Amelia includes enrollment at Portland, NY in 1836, followed by re-enrollment at Detroit, MI in 1842. The vessel suffered damage in 1846 when it lost its bowsprit and flying jib boom during an incident in Cleveland, but was repaired. The final wreck occurred in 1851 during a storm on Lake Erie, leading to its capsizing and subsequent destruction.
Significant Incidents
- 1836: Enrolled at Portland, NY (Dunkirk).
- 1842: Re-enrolled at Detroit, MI.
- 1846 (Sept 25): Damaged at Cleveland—lost bowsprit and flying jib boom; repaired.
- 1851: Final wreck during storm on Lake Erie; capsized and drifted ashore.
Final Disposition
The Grace Amelia was lost in 1851, overwhelmed by storm conditions that caused it to capsize. The vessel drifted ashore and was destroyed by wave action. No casualties were reported, as the crew likely evacuated early or were rescued.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact location of the wreck is unknown, but it is presumed that the remains have been destroyed by surf and decay over time. Modern surveys have not located the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”grace-amelia-amelia-grace-1836″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Grace Amelia highlights the risks faced by early Great Lakes navigation and the vulnerability of small cargo schooners to severe weather conditions.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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