Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Newburgh
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 216 ft (65.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 1,299 GRT
- Location: Port Burwell, Lake Erie
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
Description
The Newburgh was a wooden two-masted schooner built circa 1871, likely in a Great Lakes shipyard. It measured 216 feet in length and had a registered tonnage of 1,299 gross tons. The vessel was primarily engaged in transporting a mixed cargo, including flour, pig iron, rags, and other goods, indicating its role in regional trade.
History
The Newburgh was involved in trade routes between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario ports. Its cargo mix illustrates Port Burwell’s significance as a regional trade hub, handling both industrial materials and everyday goods. The vessel’s grounding in 1892 occurred during a notorious storm, contributing to evolving harbor construction and shipping safety practices.
Significant Incidents
- November 19, 1892: Caught in a fierce southwest gale and blizzard while rounding into Port Burwell harbor on Lake Erie.
- Grounding: Struck bottom and went ashore near the harbor mouth.
- Loss: Broke apart under storm assault and was destroyed; all aboard survived according to available records.
- Salvage: Cargo and boiler reported subsequently salvaged due to their high value and utility to local residents.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Newburgh was destroyed during the storm, but salvage efforts were made for its cargo and boiler. These efforts likely contributed to the development of local salvage expertise and infrastructure, marking Port Burwell’s ongoing heritage as a marine service center.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the exact location of the wreck remains uncertain, but there are prospects for archaeological surveys near the Port Burwell harbor mouth. Side-scan sonar or diver surveys may reveal scattered remains, including hull timbers or machinery debris.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”newburgh-18710″ title=”References & Links”]
The Newburgh serves as an emblematic example of late-19th-century Great Lakes commerce, highlighting the vulnerabilities of vessels to storms and the importance of salvage operations in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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