Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Samana
- Type: wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1857
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Cleveland Harbor, Ohio
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A typically sized Great Lakes wooden schooner employed in bulk-coal transport. Launched in 1857, Samana had at least 35 years of service before her loss. Her cargo suggests usage in mid-lake coal trade routes.
Description
The Samana was a wooden schooner that primarily transported coal across the Great Lakes. Her construction and design were typical for vessels of her time, allowing her to navigate the challenging waters of Lake Erie.
History
In late October 1892, Samana encountered severe weather on Lake Erie/Lake Huron. She weathered the storm until opting to seek refuge in Cleveland. Upon return, likely weakened and under persistent gale conditions, she met her end—either grounding strongly or foundering at harbor entrance—and was abandoned as beyond repair. The loss of all five aboard implies sudden structural failure or sinking without time for orderly abandonment.
Significant Incidents
- Final Incident: October 29, 1892
- Cargo: Coal
- Outcome: Upon entering Cleveland harbor, she was wrecked—likely driven ashore or sank—resulting in a constructive total loss. Crew of five: none survived.
Final Disposition
- Declared a total constructive loss in late 1892.
- No written records of salvage or lifting exist; remains possibly scattered near Cleveland harbor.
- Crew fate: all five perished—no survivors or recovery noted.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, with no documented salvage efforts. The remains may be scattered in the vicinity of Cleveland harbor.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”samana-1857″ title=”References & Links”]
The Samana‘s end highlights the persistent danger of late-season storms on the Great Lakes—even experienced vessels could be overwhelmed in harbor approach. The loss of the entire crew signals a swift and catastrophic failure, possibly structural or due to flooding amid waves. Substantial archival and field research would be required to reconstruct the final moments and potentially identify physical remnants in Cleveland waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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