Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Guiding Star
- Type: Wooden side-wheel steamer
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Estimated length of 108 ft (32.9 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Port Maitland, Ontario
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden side-wheel steamer
Description
The Guiding Star was a wooden-hulled side-wheel steamer, approximately 108 feet (32.9 metres) in length. Designed for passenger and package freight service, she operated on Lake Erie during the mid-19th century. The vessel’s propulsion system consisted of steam-powered side paddle wheels, a common design for the era.
History
In July 1870, the Guiding Star suffered a catastrophic boiler explosion near Port Maitland, Ontario, on Lake Erie. The explosion resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and caused the vessel to sink rapidly. The incident was one of several maritime disasters on the Great Lakes during that period, highlighting the dangers associated with steam propulsion technology of the time.
Significant Incidents
- Catastrophic boiler explosion in July 1870, resulting in seven fatalities.
Final Disposition
Following the explosion, the remains of the Guiding Star were removed during dredging operations in 1901. (Lake Erie Shipwreck Map “D” and Index – Alchem, Inc.)
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck was discovered and subsequently removed in 1901 during dredging activities near Port Maitland, Ontario. No current obstruction exists at the site, and there are no navigational hazards related to the Guiding Star in the area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”guiding-star” title=”References & Links”]
The Guiding Star serves as a historical example of the perils faced by steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The tragic loss of life and subsequent removal of the wreck underscore the importance of advancements in maritime safety and engineering practices.
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
- Name: Guiding Star
- Former Names: None known
- Registration Number(s): Unknown
- Date Built and Launched: Unknown
- Measurements: Estimated length of 108 feet (32.9 metres)
- Date Lost: July 1870
Vessel Type
Wooden side-wheel steamer
Description
The Guiding Star was a wooden-hulled side-wheel steamer, approximately 108 feet (32.9 metres) in length. Designed for passenger and package freight service, she operated on Lake Erie during the mid-19th century. The vessel’s propulsion system consisted of steam-powered side paddle wheels, a common design for the era.
History
In July 1870, the Guiding Star suffered a catastrophic boiler explosion near Port Maitland, Ontario, on Lake Erie. The explosion resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and caused the vessel to sink rapidly. The incident was one of several maritime disasters on the Great Lakes during that period, highlighting the dangers associated with steam propulsion technology of the time.
Final Disposition
Following the explosion, the remains of the Guiding Star were removed during dredging operations in 1901. (Lake Erie Shipwreck Map “D” and Index – Alchem, Inc.)
Located By & Date Found
The wreck was discovered and subsequently removed in 1901 during dredging activities near Port Maitland, Ontario.
Notmars & Advisories
- Obstruction: The wreck was removed in 1901; no current obstruction exists at the site.
- Navigation: No navigational hazards related to the Guiding Star are present in the area.
Resources & Links
- Lake Erie Shipwreck Map “D” and Index – Alchem, Inc.
- History of the Great Lakes – Wisconsin Genealogy Resources
- [PDF] An Old Man’s Memories,
- White Star Line of Steamers between New York and Liverpool… Baltic …,
- Looe Lugger Guiding Star traditional sailing vessel For Sale,
- Guiding Star
- Guiding Star – The Waterways Journal,
- Erie Belle – Wikipedia
Conclusion
The Guiding Star serves as a historical example of the perils faced by steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The tragic loss of life and subsequent removal of the wreck underscore the importance of advancements in maritime safety and engineering practices.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Guiding Star, boiler explosion, Port Maitland, Lake Erie, 1870 shipwreck
- Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Erie, Maritime disasters in Ontario, 19th-century steamship accidents
- Glossary Terms:
- Boiler Explosion: A sudden and violent release of energy due to the failure of a steam boiler, often resulting in significant damage and loss of life.
- Side-Wheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by paddle wheels mounted on either side of the hull.
- Dredging Operations: The process of removing sediment and debris from the bottom of bodies of water to maintain navigable waterways or for construction purposes.
Please note that due to the age of the incident and limited available information, some details about the Guiding Star remain unknown.
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