Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Nassau
- Type: Wooden bulk freight schooner
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: George Goble, Oswego, New York
- Dimensions: Length 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 303 tons; Net Tonnage: 288 tons
- Location: Bar Point, Lake Erie
- Official Number: 18734
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden bulk freight schooner
Description
The Nassau was a wooden bulk freight schooner constructed in 1872 by shipbuilder George Goble in Oswego, New York. Measuring 41.8 metres (137 feet) in length with a beam of 7.6 metres (25 feet) and a depth of 3.4 metres (11 feet), she had a gross tonnage of 303 tons and a net tonnage of 288 tons. Designed for transporting bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes, the Nassau was a common sight on Lake Erie during the late 19th century.
History
On October 14, 1898, the Nassau was involved in a fatal collision with the steamer Joseph Colby near Bar Point on Lake Erie. At the time of the incident, the Nassau was carrying a cargo of 22,000 bushels of wheat. The collision resulted in the sinking of the Nassau and the loss of one crew member. The exact circumstances leading to the collision are not detailed in the available records, but such incidents were not uncommon given the heavy traffic and challenging navigation conditions on the Great Lakes during that era.
Significant Incidents
- October 14, 1898: Collision with the steamer Joseph Colby resulting in the sinking of the Nassau and the loss of one crew member.
Final Disposition
Following the collision, the Nassau sank near Bar Point, Lake Erie. There is no information available regarding salvage efforts or the current status of the wreck. Given the passage of time and the lack of detailed records, it is likely that the remains of the Nassau have deteriorated significantly or have been removed to eliminate navigational hazards.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Nassau was a known navigational hazard following the sinking. Mariners in the area were advised to exercise caution. Currently, there are no known navigational warnings or advisories associated with the former wreck site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”nassau-us-18734″ title=”References & Links”]
The Nassau‘s sinking near Bar Point in 1898 serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The collision with the steamer Joseph Colby not only resulted in the loss of a valuable cargo of wheat but also claimed the life of a crew member. While specific details about the incident are scarce, the Nassau‘s story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
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