Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Hugh Coyne
- Type: Two-masted scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: A. McLeod in Detroit, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 33 gross tons
- Location: Lake Erie near North Harbor area
- Coordinates: N/A
- Official Number: 42160
- Original Owners: Hugh Coyne of Cleveland
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted scow-schooner, approximately 33 gross tons.
Description
The Hugh Coyne was a wooden scow-schooner built in 1864, primarily used for transporting cargo on Lake Erie. At the time of her loss, she was carrying 24 cords of building stone.
History
Owned and captained by Hugh Coyne of Cleveland, the vessel suffered from progressive wear before her loss. The cargo of stone made the vessel low-freeboard and vulnerable to flooding under stress.
Significant Incidents
- Caught in a storm, the vessel sprung a leak and began to flood.
- The three-man crew took to a small boat, making landfall at Amherstburg, Ontario, 48 hours later.
- All three crew members survived the incident.
Final Disposition
The Hugh Coyne sank in Lake Erie after developing a leak during a storm. The crew’s survival by rowing for two days and nights highlights the dangers of open-boat operations in late-spring storms.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility for divers has not been documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hugh-coyne-us-42160″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Hugh Coyne is representative of the challenges faced by aging vessels carrying heavy cargo in adverse weather conditions. Further research into local archives may yield additional insights into her history and loss.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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