Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: United States Lightship LV-82
- Type: Lightship
- Year Built: 1912
- Builder: Racine-Truscott-Shell Boat Co., Muskegon, Michigan
- Dimensions: 80 ft (24.38 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 187 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 19 m / 63 ft
- Location: Approximately two miles off Point Abino, Lake Erie
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
LV-82, commonly referred to as the Buffalo Lightship, served as a navigational aid stationed off Point Abino in Lake Erie.
Description
Built in 1912, LV-82 was an 80-foot lightship designed to guide vessels toward Buffalo Harbor. It was stationed approximately 25 miles off Point Abino, providing crucial navigation support in the busy shipping lanes of Lake Erie.
History
During the Great Storm of November 7-10, 1913, LV-82 endured hurricane-force winds and waves reaching 35-50 feet. On November 10, the lightship was torn from its moorings and sank, resulting in the loss of all six crew members. The wreck was located on May 13, 1914, and was salvaged and raised on September 16, 1915, later being refurbished and renamed Eleven Foot Shoal Lightship.
Significant Incidents
- Lost during the Great Storm of November 7-10, 1913.
- All six crew members, including Captain Hugh Williams and Chief Engineer Charles Butler, were lost at sea.
- Parts of the wreckage washed ashore in Buffalo, and some crew bodies were later recovered.
Final Disposition
After being salvaged, LV-82 was refurbished and returned to service until the mid-1930s. The wreck site remains documented but not well-surveyed archaeologically.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is located at a depth of approximately 63 feet in Lake Erie. It is not well-surveyed, but its historical significance and relatively shallow depth provide strong potential for underwater documentation.
Resources & Links
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The story of LV-82 epitomizes both the heroism of lightship crews and the catastrophic impact of the 1913 storm. She remains emblematic of maritime resilience and tragedy on the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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