Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hi Smith
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Near Buffalo, New York
- Coordinates: Unknown
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Likely Buffalo-based
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted wooden schooner, typical of Lake Erie–Lake Ontario freight and towing service.
Description
The Hi Smith was a wooden schooner built in 1862, primarily used for freight and towing operations on the Great Lakes.
History
The Hi Smith was likely owned by a Buffalo-based entity at the time of its loss. It was involved in typical shipping activities of the era.
Significant Incidents
- Date: October 27, 1878
- Conditions: Gale-force storm on Lake Erie
- Incident Details: The schooner struck a reef shortly after departing Buffalo, New York, while under tow as part of a small convoy. Cargo included coal, recorded simply as ‘coal, light’.
- Casualties: None reported
Final Disposition
The Hi Smith was declared a total constructive loss soon after grounding. The crew was safely evacuated, and no significant salvage was noted as the tow was abandoned following storm damage and reef impact.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and further research is needed to determine its accessibility for divers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hi-smith-1862″ title=”References & Links”]
The Hi Smith, a small wooden schooner, foundered after striking a reef while under tow during a storm on October 27, 1878, in Lake Erie. With the loss of only the vessel and no casualties among the crew, the incident remains typical among late-season losses. Further archival research is needed to confirm details.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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