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.
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.
Schooner Gulielma (built 1857 – lost November 3, 1863)
Identification & Build
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Built: 1857
- Length: ~95 ft
- Trade: Likely lumber transport
Final Voyage & Wreck – November 3, 1863
- 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
- Cargo: Laden with lumber at the time of the wreck
- Casualties: None reported
- A wrecking expedition was launched days later to attempt cargo and wreck removal—but the vessel was deemed a total loss (alcheminc.com)
Historical Significance
- Reflects ongoing dangers to smaller wooden pleasure or freight schooners navigating major harbor breakwaters during autumn storms
- Burried among the many minor wartime losses of 1863, the Gulielma highlights the Year of the Civil War’s under-reported maritime casualties
- The wreck’s aftermath contributed to later harbor safety measures at Buffalo
Research & Exploration Paths
| Objective | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Press Reports | Examine Buffalo Courier and Buffalo Evening Gazette from Nov 4–10, 1863 for storm narrative and salvage team details |
| Harbor Records | Review Buffalo harbor-master or Army Corps records (Nov 1863) for correspondence and breakwater notices |
| Registry Records | Request 1857 enrollment documents—confirm build specs, owner, master, and structural details |
| Wreck Reassessment | Although hull is gone, conducting a shoreline scavenging survey near the breakwater entrance may find timbers, fasteners, or deck bits |
| Local Heritage | Buffalo Maritime Museum and regional historical societies may hold salvage logs or anecdotal records |
Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Gulielma |
| Built | 1857; wooden schooner, ~95 ft |
| Lost | Nov 3, 1863 – struck Buffalo breakwater; pounded to pieces |
| Cargo | Lumber |
| Casualties | None reported |
| Significance | Illustrates hazards of harbor navigation in storms; part of Buffalo’s shipping heritage |