Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: H. B. Rathbun
- Type: wooden schooner
- Year Built: circa 1841
- Builder: Mill Point (present-day Marmora), Ontario
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: approximately 149 tons
- Location: Port Burwell area, Lake Erie
- Original Owners: Napanee, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The H. B. Rathbun was a wooden schooner, built circa 1841, primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
This vessel was approximately 149 tons and was engaged in the trade of wheat at the time of its loss.
History
The H. B. Rathbun was constructed in Mill Point, Ontario, and registered in Napanee. It served various routes on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting agricultural products.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: September 8, 1878
- Route: Bound from Dresden, Ontario, for Buffalo, New York, with a cargo of wheat.
- Incident Description: The schooner was driven ashore by a gale while entering Port Burwell, struck a bar, and came to rest wrecked. Initial hopes for salvage were dashed, and the vessel was declared a total loss.
- Casualties: None reported; the crew survived the stranding.
Final Disposition
The H. B. Rathbun was ultimately declared a total loss, with both the vessel and its cargo abandoned after the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility for divers may vary based on local conditions.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”h-b-rathbun-1841″ title=”References & Links”]
The story of the H. B. Rathbun serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during 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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