Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: N.G.
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder: Port Dover, Ontario
- Dimensions: 92 ft × 17 ft × 7 ft; approx. 110 tons
- Registered Tonnage: 110 tons
- Location: Pigeon Bay, Lake Erie
- Original Owners: John Jennings, sailmaker, from Port Dover
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The N.G. was a wooden two-masted schooner, a common vessel type in the mid-19th century, designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes.
Description
Built in 1847 at Port Dover, Ontario, the N.G. measured 92 feet in length, 17 feet in beam, and had a hold depth of 7 feet. The vessel was approximately 110 tons and underwent significant rebuilding in 1852 after sustaining heavy damage in 1855.
History
The N.G. was owned by John Jennings, a sailmaker from Port Dover. After being recently purchased for $800, the vessel was sailing from Cleveland to her new homeport when she encountered a storm on Lake Erie.
Significant Incidents
- Caught in a storm on Lake Erie at Pigeon Bay on November 17, 1866.
- Driven ashore and wrecked, resulting in the loss of one crew member.
- Light cargo or minimal ballast may have affected the vessel’s stability during the storm.
Final Disposition
The N.G. was considered a total loss, with no salvage report filed. The wreck stood near Pigeon Bay, and remnants may still exist underwater, potentially washed into deeper areas or buried in bay sediments.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the N.G. is believed to be in a state of disrepair, with no known salvage attempts reported. Nearby, the schooner William Finch was lost while attempting to salvage the N.G., indicating the risks associated with maritime salvage operations of the time.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”n-g-1847″ title=”References & Links”]
The N.G. serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden schooners in the 19th century, particularly during late-season storms on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s loss and the subsequent salvage attempts highlight the intertwined risks of maritime operations during this period.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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