Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Gulielma
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length ~95 ft (null m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
Built: 1857
Trade: Likely lumber transport
Description
The Gulielma was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1857, measuring approximately 95 feet in length. It was primarily used for transporting lumber.
History
The Gulielma met its demise on November 3, 1863, while en route to Buffalo, NY. During a storm, the vessel struck the breakwater at the harbor entrance, leading to its stranding and subsequent destruction by surf. At the time of the wreck, the schooner was laden with lumber.
Significant Incidents
- Incident: En route to Buffalo NY, struck the breakwater at the harbor entrance during a storm.
- Wrecking Sequence: She stranded on the breakwall and was pounded to pieces by surf.
- Casualties: None reported.
- A wrecking expedition was launched days later to attempt cargo and wreck removal, but the vessel was deemed a total loss.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Gulielma was deemed a total loss shortly after the incident. Efforts to recover the cargo and any remaining parts of the vessel were unsuccessful.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the hull of the Gulielma is no longer present, conducting a shoreline scavenging survey near the breakwater entrance may yield timbers, fasteners, or deck bits.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”gulielma-1857″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the Gulielma serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by smaller wooden vessels navigating major harbor breakwaters during autumn storms. Its loss highlights the need for improved harbor safety measures in Buffalo.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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