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.
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.
(wooden schooner, built 1862)
Identification & Vessel Details
- Name: Hi Smith
- Built: 1862 (exact shipyard currently unknown)
- Type: Two‑masted wooden schooner, typical of Lake Erie–Lake Ontario freight and towing service
- Owner (at loss): Likely Buffalo-based, under tow as part of a small convoy
Final Incident – October 27, 1878
- Date: October 27, 1878
- Conditions: Gale-force storm on Lake Erie
- Incident Details: The schooner struck a reef shortly after departing Buffalo, New York.
- She was in tow, likely behind a tug or as part of a tow entourage.
- Cargo: Coal (recorded simply as “coal, light”)
- Casualties: None reported
Aftermath & Disposition
- Loss Status: Declared a total constructive loss soon after grounding
- Crew Fate: Safely evacuated
- Salvage: No significant salvage noted; tow was abandoned following storm damage and reef impact
Archival Note
This incident aligns broadly with descriptions in Great Lakes Shipwreck Files noting:
- A tow-situation involving the scow‑schooner Amelia, another vessel in the tow, during the same event; Hi Smith (or “Smith”) was lost near the same time and location (alcheminc.com, digitalcommons.hope.edu, en.wikipedia.org, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
Gaps & Recommendations for Further Research
- Construction & Ownership Records: Vessel registry from 1862 might clarify builder, dimensions and actual official number.
- Tow Details: Identifying the tug or tow-service involved could clarify rescue and loss context.
- Storm Reports: Marine bulletins and Buffalo or Erie newspapers from late October 1878 may document the incident.
- Expert Confirmation: Since the loss involved typical operations, official Life-Saving Service logs or Port of Buffalo authority records could include a file.
Interim Conclusion
The Hi Smith, a small wooden schooner built in 1862, 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—not any crew—the incident remains typical among late‑season losses. To confirm details, further archival research into registry ledgers, tow logs, newspaper accounts, and official port or Life-Saving records is needed.
hi-smith-1862 1878-10-27 19:58:00