Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Philip Walter
- Type: Wooden side-wheel tug/freighter
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: L. Jackson or G.H. Jackman
- Dimensions: 94 ft × 22 ft; draft ~6 ft; 102 GRT / 51 NRT
- Registered Tonnage: 102 GRT / 51 NRT
- Location: ~3 miles off Lorain, Ohio
- Official Number: 20414
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Philip Walter was a side-wheel wooden tug/freighter, common in the 1870s, used both for towing barges and carrying cargo. Her shallow draft made her suitable for nearshore and harbor duties.
Description
Operating along Lake Erie’s southern shore, she was en route from Marblehead to Cleveland on June 20, 1887, loaded with general merchandise and stone when a sudden storm caused her to capsize. Witness reports confirm she went down rapidly; eight of twelve aboard drowned, including the captain’s wife and two young children. The captain, mate, and two other children survived. Her wreck also damaged the steamer Egyptian, which struck debris.
History
Declared a total loss after capsizing. Her remains were left underwater with no salvage. The site has not been rediscovered in modern surveys.
Significant Incidents
- First reported lost by nearby vessels and life-savers in late June 1887.
- No exact GPS location exists, and no modern exploration has identified the wreck.
Final Disposition
The area off Lorain remains weather-sensitive and may still have debris hazards after storms.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No formal navigational markers are present. The area remains hazardous due to potential debris from the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”philip-walter-philip-walters-p-h-walter-us-20414″ title=”References & Links”]
The Philip Walter capsized and sank on 20 June 1887, approximately 3 miles off Lorain during a swift storm. With eight fatalities, including family members of the captain, it stands as one of Lake Erie’s tragic side-wheel losses. The crew’s survival of four—including the captain—was remarkable. Her wreck remains uncharted and largely forgotten beneath Lake Erie’s waves.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →