Helen

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.