Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Magnetic
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: Presley, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: 264 ft (80.5 m) × 38 ft × 22 ft; 1,946 gross tons, 1,770 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 1,946 gross tons, 1,770 net tons
- Location: Approximately 19 miles west of Long Point, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 91497
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Two-masted wooden schooner-barge, heavy bulk freight carrier.
Description
The wooden schooner-barge Magnetic was built in 1882 and primarily used for transporting iron ore. It measured 264 feet in length, 38 feet in beam, and had a depth of 22 feet.
History
The Magnetic was constructed by Presley in Cleveland, Ohio, and was registered under the official number 91497. It was primarily used for carrying heavy bulk freight, particularly iron ore.
Significant Incidents
- Final Incident: On August 25, 1917, while towing alongside the steamer E.M. Breitung, the Magnetic lost steering control in moderate gale conditions. After riding up on a large wave, it broke apart amidships and sank. All nine crew members were rescued.
Final Disposition
The Magnetic was declared a total constructive loss. The wreckage sank in deep water, and no salvage was attempted due to the structural breakup of the vessel. It was removed from registry records shortly after the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Magnetic remains in deep water and has not been salvaged. Further research may help locate the exact wreck site and provide additional details about the incident.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”magnetic-us-91497″ title=”References & Links”]
In summary, the Magnetic serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by maritime vessels in adverse weather conditions. Continued archival research may uncover more about the crew and the circumstances surrounding its loss.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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