Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hannah Counter
- Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: Pre-1846 (exact year unknown)
- Builder: Calvin Cook & Co.
- Dimensions: Length: 91.1 ft (27.8 m); Beam: 17.9 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold: 9.6 ft (2.9 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 136 tons
- Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie
- Original Owners: Dexter D. Calvin, Timothy Dunn
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner
Description
The Hannah Counter was a two-masted wooden schooner built in the mid-19th century, primarily operating on Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. It was designed for carrying bulk goods essential to the Great Lakes economy.
History
Chronology and Operational History:
- 1846 – Rebuilt: The Hannah Counter underwent significant repairs or upgrades in March 1846, likely to maintain seaworthiness and adapt to changing shipping demands.
- 1848 – Ashore at Sandusky, OH (April 18): The schooner went ashore near Sandusky, Ohio, during a voyage but was salvaged and returned to service.
- 1848 – Ownership Change: By September 16, 1848, the vessel was owned by Timothy Dunn, reflecting the common practice of vessels frequently changing ownership as trade routes and economic needs shifted.
- 1850 – Ashore at Huron, OH (November 8): While carrying a cargo of pig iron and railroad iron, the schooner ran ashore near Huron, Ohio.
- 1851 – Final Wreck at Long Point (October 5): The Hannah Counter met its end near Long Point, Lake Erie, after being wrecked in a storm, resulting in the loss of three lives.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:
- 1848 – Ashore at Sandusky, OH
- 1850 – Ashore at Huron, OH
- 1851 – Wrecked at Long Point, Lake Erie
Final Disposition
Date of Loss: October 5, 1851
Cause: Wrecked in a storm
Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie
Casualties: 3 crew members lost
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Hannah Counter is located in the waters near Long Point, Lake Erie. The condition of the wreck is not well-documented, and divers should approach with caution, respecting the site and its historical significance.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hannah-counter” title=”References & Links”]
The Hannah Counter exemplifies the vital role of schooners in mid-19th-century Great Lakes commerce. Its loss highlights the hazards faced by mariners navigating these unpredictable waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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