Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Helen
- Type: Wooden scow schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Leamington, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden scow schooner
Description
The Helen was a wooden scow schooner, a type of flat-bottomed vessel commonly used in the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting bulk cargoes like lumber. These vessels were designed for shallow waters, allowing them to access undeveloped ports and beaches. The Helen’s construction details, including dimensions and tonnage, are not documented in the available records.
History
On September 30, 1875, the Helen encountered a southwest gale near Leamington, Ontario, on Lake Erie. The storm caused the vessel to part from its anchor and run aground on a sandbar. The crew spent the night in the rigging before being rescued by a local woman and her two sons. The Helen was carrying a cargo of lumber at the time of the incident.
Significant Incidents
- The Helen was declared a total loss after the grounding incident.
Final Disposition
The Helen was declared a total loss after the grounding incident. Details about salvage efforts or the fate of the wreck are not available in the current records.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No information available regarding the discovery or current location of the Helen’s wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”helen” title=”References & Links”]
The Helen’s grounding near Leamington in 1875 highlights the challenges faced by 19th-century maritime vessels on the Great Lakes. While specific details about the vessel’s construction and service history are scarce, the incident underscores the perils of lake navigation during that era. Further research into local archives and historical societies may provide additional insights into the Helen’s story.
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: Helen
- Former Names: None known
- Registration Number(s): Not located in available records
- Date Built and Launched: Not located in available records
- Measurements: Not located in available records
- Date Lost: September 30, 1875
Vessel Type
Wooden scow schooner
Description
The Helen was a wooden scow schooner, a type of flat-bottomed vessel commonly used in the Great Lakes during the 19th century for transporting bulk cargoes like lumber. These vessels were designed for shallow waters, allowing them to access undeveloped ports and beaches. The Helen’s construction details, including dimensions and tonnage, are not documented in the available records.
History
On September 30, 1875, the Helen encountered a southwest gale near Leamington, Ontario, on Lake Erie. The storm caused the vessel to part from its anchor and run aground on a sandbar. The crew spent the night in the rigging before being rescued by a local woman and her two sons. The Helen was carrying a cargo of lumber at the time of the incident .
Final Disposition
The Helen was declared a total loss after the grounding incident. Details about salvage efforts or the fate of the wreck are not available in the current records.
Located By & Date Found
No information available regarding the discovery or current location of the Helen’s wreck.
Notmars & Advisories
No known navigational warnings or advisories are associated with the Helen’s wreck site.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Helen’s grounding near Leamington in 1875 highlights the challenges faced by 19th-century maritime vessels on the Great Lakes. While specific details about the vessel’s construction and service history are scarce, the incident underscores the perils of lake navigation during that era. Further research into local archives and historical societies may provide additional insights into the Helen’s story.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Helen, scow schooner, Lake Erie shipwreck, Leamington maritime history, 1875 storm
- Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Ontario Maritime Incidents, 19th Century Shipwrecks
- Glossary Terms:
- Scow Schooner: A flat-bottomed sailing vessel with a squared-off bow, commonly used for transporting bulk goods in shallow waters.
- Grounding: When a vessel runs aground or becomes stuck on the seabed or a sandbar.
- Rigging: The system of ropes, cables, or chains employed to support a ship’s masts and to control or set the sails.
Note: Due to limited available information, certain details about the Helen remain unknown. Continued research and exploration may yield further data about this vessel and its fate.
helen 1875-09-30 21:38:00