Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: S.D. Woodruff (originally built as Beaver, renamed in 1858)
- Type: Three-Masted Wooden Bark (Timber Trader)
- Year Built: 1850
- Builder: Du Bord, Quebec
- Dimensions: 138 ft (42.1 m); Beam: 23 ft (7.0 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 360 tons
- Location: Near Leamington, Ontario, Lake Erie
- Official Number: Unknown (Canadian Registry)
- Original Owners: Out of Hamilton, Ontario
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The S.D. Woodruff was a three-masted wooden bark designed primarily for timber trading. Originally built as the Beaver, she was renamed in 1858 after extensive rebuilding.
Description
The S.D. Woodruff was constructed in 1850 and was copper-fastened, enhancing her durability against marine conditions. She primarily transported lumber and bulk freight between Canadian and American ports.
History
The S.D. Woodruff had a notable operational history, including significant repairs in 1852 and 1858, indicating prior wear. She was involved in a maritime accident in December 1856 when she wrecked on Braddock Point, Lake Ontario, but was salvaged and repaired.
Significant Incidents
- December 1856: Wrecked on Braddock Point, Lake Ontario; initially thought to be a total loss but salvaged.
- 1852 & 1858: Major repairs and rebuilds were conducted, indicating significant wear before her final loss.
Final Disposition
The S.D. Woodruff was caught in a severe storm on October 15, 1873, while navigating Lake Erie. Driven ashore near Leamington, the vessel was quickly destroyed by pounding surf, resulting in a total loss. Fortunately, the crew survived the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Given that the S.D. Woodruff was pounded to pieces, few, if any, remains exist today. Fragments of timber and fastenings may be buried along the shoreline or scattered offshore. No modern discoveries of the wreck site have been recorded, and locating any remnants would be difficult due to shifting sands and erosion.
Resources & Links
The S.D. Woodruff serves as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by Great Lakes mariners in the age of wooden sailing ships. Though little remains of the wreck today, her history highlights the dangers of late-season storms on Lake Erie and the fragility of aging wooden vessels.