Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Grace Sherwood
- Type: Wooden, two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: J. Hill, Sodus, New York
- Dimensions: Length 118 ft (36 m); Beam 25 ft; Depth 11 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 73 gross tons
- Location: 1 mile east of Port Burwell docks, Ontario
- Official Number: 10793
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden, two-masted schooner—typically employed on the Lake Erie–Detroit–Buffalo grain and freight run.
Description
The Grace Sherwood was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1866 by J. Hill in Sodus, New York. She measured 118 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and had a depth of 11 feet, with a registered tonnage of 73 gross tons.
History
The Grace Sherwood was primarily used for transporting grain and freight across the Great Lakes, particularly between Lake Erie, Detroit, and Buffalo. Her service history includes various voyages until her final incident in 1875.
Significant Incidents
- Final Incident – October 8, 1875: Departing Detroit, bound for Buffalo, carrying wheat, the vessel was struck by a strong October gale. She became unmanageable, stranded on the shoals near Port Burwell, and was driven onto the beach where she was destroyed by the storm surge and surf. Fortunately, all crew members survived.
Final Disposition
The Grace Sherwood was declared constructively totaled—wrecked and unrecoverable. A wrecking tug named “Sill” was dispatched from Buffalo, but the damage was irreparable, and her decks were submerged. Official documentation was surrendered following the total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck site near Port Burwell has not been surveyed for remains or debris patterns. Further investigation may yield additional information about the wreck’s condition.
Resources & Links
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The Grace Sherwood remains a significant part of maritime history, illustrating the dangers faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. Her loss serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of those who navigate these waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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