Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Pelee

Explore the wreck of the F/V Pelee, a fishing vessel lost in Lake Erie, with uncertain details surrounding its sinking and potential dive conditions.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Pelee
  • Type: Fishing Vessel
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Estimated 40-60 ft (12.2-18.3 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Off Port Stanley, Ontario
  • Original Owners: Likely Port Stanley or nearby Lake Erie port

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Commercial fishing vessel

Description

The F/V Pelee was a fishing vessel that likely operated in Lake Erie, possibly named after Pelee Island. It is estimated to have been between 40 to 60 feet in length, constructed of either wood (1950s-60s) or steel (1970s+).

History

The fishing fleet in Lake Erie peaked in the mid-20th century before declining due to overfishing and regulations. Many small fishing vessels were lost to storms and equipment failures during this time.

Significant Incidents

Sinking Circumstances:

  • Location: Lake Erie, near Port Stanley (exact coordinates unconfirmed)
  • Possible Causes:
  1. Weather: Sudden Lake Erie storms (notorious for quick, violent waves)
  2. Overloading: Fish holds exceeding safe capacity
  3. Collision: With submerged object or commercial ship
  4. Equipment Failure: Hull breach or pump failure

Casualties:

  • Number of crew lost unknown (typical crews: 2-4 fishermen)
  • No major newspaper records found (suggests a smaller, undocumented tragedy)

Final Disposition

No known official wreck identification exists for the F/V Pelee. Potential locations for the wreck include Port Stanley’s “Fishing Grounds” (historical hotspot 5-10 miles offshore) and along shipping lanes where trawlers operated.

Current Condition & Accessibility

If found, the wreck is expected to be at a depth of 50-120 feet, with visibility ranging from 5-15 feet due to algae and sediment. The wooden hull is likely deteriorated, while a steel hull might remain intact.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”pelee” title=”References & Links”]

The F/V Pelee represents the dangers faced by Lake Erie’s small-boat fishing industry. If located, it could be protected as a commercial fishing heritage site.

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.

Maritime Casualty Report: F/V Pelee

  • Type: Fishing Vessel
  • Casualty: Sinking
  • Location: Off Port Stanley, Ontario, Lake Erie
  • Era: Mid-late 20th century (exact date uncertain)
  • Name: Pelee (possibly named after Pelee Island, Lake Erie)
  • Type: Commercial fishing vessel
  • Length: Estimated 40-60 feet (typical Great Lakes fishing boat)
  • Hull Material: Wooden (1950s-60s) or steel (1970s+)
  • Homeport: Likely Port Stanley or nearby Lake Erie port
  • Lake Erie’s fishing fleet peaked in mid-20th century before declining due to overfishing/regulations
  • Many small fishing vessels lost to storms, equipment failures

Incident Details

Sinking Circumstances

  • Location: Lake Erie, near Port Stanley (exact coordinates unconfirmed)
  • Possible Causes:
  1. Weather: Sudden Lake Erie storms (notorious for quick, violent waves)
  2. Overloading: Fish holds exceeding safe capacity
  3. Collision: With submerged object or commercial ship
  4. Equipment Failure: Hull breach or pump failure

Casualties

  • Number of crew lost unknown (typical crews: 2-4 fishermen)
  • No major newspaper records found (suggests a smaller, undocumented tragedy)

Wreck Status

Discovery Status

  • No known official wreck identification
  • Potential locations:
  • Port Stanley’s “Fishing Grounds” (historical hotspot 5-10 miles offshore)
  • Along shipping lanes where trawlers operated

Dive Conditions (If Found)

  • Depth: 50-120 feet (Lake Erie’s average depth in area)
  • Visibility: 5-15 feet (algae/sediment affects clarity)
  • Preservation: Wooden hull likely deteriorated; steel hull might remain

Research Leads

Archival Sources

  1. Port Stanley Fishermen’s Association (historical records)
  2. Canadian Coast Guard Casualty Database (post-1960s incidents)
  3. London Free Press Archives (local newspaper reports)

Oral Histories

  • Elderly Port Stanley fishermen may recall the incident
  • Local maritime museums may have unpublished accounts

Significance

  • Represents the dangers faced by Lake Erie’s small-boat fishing industry
  • If located, could be protected as a commercial fishing heritage site

Recommendation: Focus research on 1960s-1980s Canadian Coast Guard reports and interview retired fishermen.

pelee 1980-12-31 21:38:00