Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rapid C 33581
- Type: Sail Schooner
- Year Built: 1856
- Builder: VandSlyke & Notter, Buffalo, NY
- Dimensions: Approximately 131 ft long × 27 ft beam × 10 ft depth; ~191 tons
- Registered Tonnage: ~191 tons
- Location: Approximately 10 miles east of Rondeau, Ontario
- Coordinates: Exact position undocumented
- Official Number: C33581
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Rapid was a traditional two-masted sail schooner with a fore-and-aft rig, designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
Description
The Rapid was built in 1856 and measured approximately 131 feet in length, with a beam of 27 feet and a depth of 10 feet. It had a registered tonnage of around 191 tons. The vessel was primarily used for transporting staves, which are components of barrels.
History
On September 27, 1872, the Rapid was operating in Lake Erie near the Canadian shore when it encountered a sudden gale. The vessel capsized and foundered, resulting in the loss of seven of the eight crew members. Only one survivor endured 60 hours adrift before being rescued.
Significant Incidents
- September 27, 1872: Caught in a sudden gale, the Rapid capsized and sank.
- Casualties: 7 of 8 crew perished; only one survivor was rescued after 60 hours adrift.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Rapid is presumed largely intact after capsizing, but no archaeological surveys have been conducted to confirm its condition. There were no recorded salvaging efforts at the time of the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact position of the wreck remains undocumented, and it is likely resting in deep, cold waters of Lake Erie. The lack of detailed wreck discovery or mapping makes it a compelling target for future maritime archaeology.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”rapid-c-33581″ title=”References & Links”]
The Rapid’s tragic sinking and the survival of its lone crew member present a poignant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, inviting further exploration and research into its wreck site.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →