Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Manchester
- Type: Wooden two-masted brig
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder: J. Oades, Port Metcalf, Ontario
- Dimensions: 128 ft (39 m) length × 24 ft beam × 9 ft depth; 254 tons burthen
- Registered Tonnage: 254 tons
- Location: Near Madison Dock, off Long Point
- Original Owners: Fowler & Esseltyne, Detroit
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted wooden brig (square-rigged sailing vessel).
Description
The Manchester was a wooden two-masted brig built in 1847 by J. Oades in Port Metcalf, Ontario. It measured 128 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and had a depth of 9 feet, with a registered tonnage of 254 tons.
History
The Manchester was bound for the St. Clair River, en route to Kingston, Ontario, carrying a cargo of oak timbers. On April 23, 1859, while navigating Lake Erie, the vessel encountered a gale and sprang a leak off Long Point. The captain, A.S. Brush, attempted to seek refuge by beaching the vessel near Madison Dock, but it broke in two during the process.
Significant Incidents
- Encountered a gale, sprang a leak off Long Point.
- Sought refuge by beaching near Madison Dock.
- Broke in two; captain was A.S. Brush; owner was Fowler & Esseltyne of Detroit.
- Casualties: 2 crew members lost.
Final Disposition
Following the beaching attempt, the crew was likely rescued, adhering to the standard procedures of the day. The Manchester was declared a total loss, with no evidence suggesting salvage operations were conducted.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Manchester is well-documented in vessel loss records; however, there is a lack of physical documentation such as surveys or exploration reports in publicly accessible sources. Further research is needed to determine if any wreckage is present today and to assess dive potential.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”manchester-1847″ title=”References & Links”]
To further investigate the Manchester, it is recommended to examine archival records, check sonar survey logs, conduct field diving reconnaissance, and engage local dive shops or historical societies.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Builder: J. Oades, Port Metcalf, Ontario
- Build Year: 1847
- Vessel Type: Two-masted wooden brig (square‑rigged sailing vessel)
- Dimensions: 128 ft length × 24 ft beam × 9 ft depth; 254 tons burthen
- Loss Date: April 23, 1859
- Loss Location: Near Madison Dock, Lake Erie, off Long Point
Cargo & Voyage Details
- Cargo: Oak timbers
- Route: Bound for the St. Clair River, en route to Kingston, Ontario
Circumstances of Loss
- Encountered a gale, sprang a leak off Long Point
- Sought refuge by beaching near Madison Dock
- Broke in two; captain was A. S. Brush; owner was Fowler & Esseltyne of Detroit
- Casualties: 2 crew members lost (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, en.wikipedia.org)
Aftermath & Rescue
- Crew likely rescued following the beaching attempt (standard procedures of the day)
- The vessel was declared a total loss, with no evidence suggesting salvage
Analysis & Next Steps
The Manchester is well-documented in vessel loss records (nsp, hgl, clu). However, physical documentation such as surveys, remains, or exploration reports are absent from publicly accessible sources.
To determine if any wreckage is present today and assess dive potential, I recommend the following research steps:
- Examine archival records from:
- Great Lakes Marine Historical Society (e.g., Hull & Deck Collection)
- Newspaper archives near Port Dover, ON, circa April–May 1859
- Check sonar survey logs for Long Point / Madison Dock areas
- Field diving reconnaissance, ideally shallow water (likely 10–20 m) near Madison Dock
- Engage local dive shops or historical societies, such as:
- Port Rowan community museum
- Long Point Bay explorations
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Manchester |
| Type | Wooden two-masted brig |
| Builders | J. Oades, Port Metcalf (ON) |
| Size | 128 × 24 × 9 ft; 254 tons |
| Lost | April 23, 1859 (off Long Point) |
| Cargo | Oak timbers |
| Route | Bound St. Clair River → Kingston |
| Cause | Leaked in gale; beached & broke up |
| Casualties | 2 crew lost |
| Owner/Captain | Fowler & Esseltyne / Capt. A.S. Brush |
Research Gaps & Suggested Investigations
- Archival dive logs: To confirm any discovery of remains or exploration.
- Nautical charts (1859): To identify the location of “Madison Dock.”
- Local oral histories: Interviews with Long Point divers and historians may shed light on undocumented wreck dives.