Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Montcalm
- Type: Wooden cargo schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden cargo schooner
Description
Montcalm was a wooden schooner built in 1867, primarily used for transporting cargo, including iron ore. The vessel typifies late-19th-century bulk-material shipping vessels.
History
Service History: The Montcalm was engaged in the transportation of iron ore until its loss in 1891. It reflects the navigation challenges faced during gale-season transport on Lake Erie, particularly near the notorious shoals of Long Point.
Significant Incidents
- On November 15, 1891, during a violent southwest gale, the Montcalm was driven aground, likely near Long Point.
- The severe weather and shallow shoals caused the hull to break up, leading to the vessel being wrecked beyond salvage.
Final Disposition
The vessel was wrecked beyond salvage, with her hull breaking apart onshore. No remains are known to exist underwater, as the wreck was dismantled or dispersed post-grounding.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, there are no known remains of the Montcalm underwater. The wreck was reported to have been dismantled or dispersed after grounding.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”montcalm-1867″ title=”References & Links”]
The Montcalm serves as a historical reminder of the challenges faced by shipping vessels in the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions.
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.
Montcalm (Wooden Schooner, built 1867 – lost November 15, 1891)
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Montcalm
- Build Year: 1867
- Type: Wooden cargo schooner
- Cargo at Last Voyage: Iron ore
- Date of Loss: November 15, 1891
- Incident Location: Driven aground by a violent southwest gale—likely near Long Point, Lake Erie
- Casualties: All crew rescued (none lost)
- Registry Note: Listed in Great Lakes Shipwreck Files entry “M” for Montcalm
(Drummond Island Tourism Association, michiganshipwrecks.org, alcheminc.com, Links to the Past, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Circumstances of Loss
Montcalm departed laden with iron ore. During a violent southwest gale on the night of November 15, 1891, she was driven aground, probably near or at Long Point. The severe weather and shallow shoals caused her hull to break up. The entire crew was successfully evacuated before the wreck was total.
(Links to the Past)
Final Disposition & Wreck Condition
- The vessel was wrecked beyond salvage, her hull breaking apart onshore
- No remains are known to exist underwater; the wreck was dismantled or dispersed post-grounding
Crew Outcome
- All crew members were rescued safely; no fatalities reported
Historical Significance
- A late-19th-century iron-ore schooner, Montcalm typifies the era’s bulk-material shipping vessels
- Reflects the navigation challenges of gale-season transport on Lake Erie and the notorious shoals near Long Point
References & Sources
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files entry “M” for Montcalm lists build, loss details, cargo, and rescue outcome
(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, alcheminc.com, Links to the Past)
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1867 |
| Type | Wooden schooner carrying iron ore |
| Lost | Nov 15, 1891 |
| Cause | Grounded in SW gale |
| Location | Near Long Point, Lake Erie |
| Crew | All rescued |
| Wreck Status | Broken up ashore, no remains offshore |
Suggested Research Steps
- Search November 1891 editions of regional newspapers like the Port Dover Gazette, Norfolk News, or London Free Press for detailed incident coverage
- Explore local records (e.g. Port Dover harbor logs) for salvage or removal operations
- Investigate if Long Point Lifesaving Service documents mention the crew rescue