Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Oriole
- Type: Schooner (3-masted)
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder: Merry & Gay, Milan, Ohio
- Dimensions: 141 ft (43 m) X 26.2 ft (8 m); Depth 11.5 ft (3.5 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 397 tons (old measurement)
- Location: Near Pictured Rocks, Lake Superior, several miles off Grand Island, Michigan
- Original Owners: Mowry & Duncan or R.K. Winslow fleet (Milan/Cleveland, OH)
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Oriole was a three-masted wooden schooner, representative of the type of vessels used for transporting iron ore on Lake Superior during the mid-19th century.
Description
Built in 1857, the Oriole measured 141 feet in length and was constructed by Merry & Gay in Milan, Ohio. The vessel was primarily used for transporting cargo, specifically iron ore, across the Great Lakes.
History
The Oriole was owned by either Mowry & Duncan or the R.K. Winslow fleet, operating between Milan and Cleveland, Ohio. It played a significant role in the ore transport industry during the Civil War era.
Significant Incidents
On August 9, 1862, the Oriole sank after a collision with the sidewheel steamer Illinois in thick fog. The collision resulted in the schooner being cut in two, with the stern sinking immediately and the bow remaining afloat for a short time. Approximately 12 to 13 lives were lost, with only one survivor reported.
Final Disposition
The Oriole sank in deep water near Pictured Rocks, and its wreck remains undiscovered. The incident highlighted the navigational hazards of fog and prompted discussions on improving safety protocols for vessels operating in such conditions.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the Oriole wreck is unknown, but it is believed to be in deep water, likely intact below the thermocline. Field expeditions using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) may be viable for future exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”oriole-1857″ title=”References & Links”]
The Oriole serves as a historical reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Its story contributes to the understanding of maritime safety and the evolution of navigation practices.
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
- Vessel Name: Oriole
- Year Built: 1857
- Built At: Milan, Ohio, by Merry & Gay
- Vessel Type: Schooner (3-masted)
- Hull Material: Wood
- Decks: 1
- Tonnage: 397 tons (old measurement)
- Original Owner: Mowry & Duncan or R.K. Winslow fleet (Milan/Cleveland, OH)
- Final Disposition: Sunk in collision
- Date of Loss: 9 August 1862
- Location: Near Pictured Rocks, Lake Superior, several miles off Grand Island, Michigan
- Cause: Collision with side-wheeler Illinois in thick fog
- Final Cargo: Iron ore, bound from Marquette, MI to Erie, PA
- Casualties: Approximately 12–13 lives lost
Incident Overview
On August 9, 1862, during dense fog conditions off Grand Island near Pictured Rocks, the sidewheel steamer Illinois ran broadside into the Oriole. The schooner was cut in two; her stern sank immediately, while the bow remained afloat for a short time. Unfortunately, 12 to 13 of those aboard perished. Only one survivor reportedly delivered a dramatic firsthand account of drifting 35 hours in a yawl before rescue (Shipwreck Tours, greatlakesdrive.com, US Deadly Events).
Key Data
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 141 ft (43 m) |
| Beam | 26.2 ft (8 m) |
| Depth | 11.5 ft (3.5 m) |
| Final Cargo | Iron ore |
| Fatalities | ~12–13 |
| Survivor Report | One survivor spent ~35 hours drifting before rescue (Shipwreck Tours, miningjournal.net) |
| Wreck Status | Likely in deep water, remains undiscovered |
Historical Significance
- Representative of ore transport schooners on Lake Superior during the Civil War era
- Demonstrates navigational hazards caused by heavy fog and traffic density
- The incident prompted discussion regarding improved fog navigation, greater safety protocols, and steamer liability (greatlakesdrive.com, US Deadly Events)
Further Research
- Fatality/Crew Records: Examine shipping logs Marquette–Erie, harbor commissions, and coroner’s reports
- Newspaper Archives: Michigan and Wisconsin newspapers from August 1862 for survivor testimonies
- Survey Potential: Location suggests deep water; wreck likely intact below thermocline—field expeditions viable with ROV gear
Keywords & Categories
- Region: Lake Superior (Pictured Rocks area)
- Vessel Type: Wooden ore schooner
- Loss Cause: Steamer collision, fog conditions
- Cargo: Iron ore
- Casualties: Yes (~12)
- Survivors: One known: 35-hour drift story
- Current Status: Unidentified deep-water wreck