Sir Edmund W. Head (1856)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Sir Edmund W. Head
• Type: Wooden-hulled barkentine
• Year Built: 1856
• Builder: Louis Shickluna
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: ~338 tons (old-style measurement)
• Location: Approximately 18 miles east of Erie, Pennsylvania
• Coordinates: Approximately 18 miles east of Erie, Pennsylvania
• Number of Masts: Three masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Sir Edmund W. Head was a mid-19th-century barkentine rigged as a cargo vessel. The three-mast configuration (square sails on foremast, fore-and-aft on main and mizzen) offered a balance of power and handling, ideal for transporting bulk goods like coal across the Great Lakes.

Description

The barkentine was designed for cargo transport, featuring a wooden hull and a single deck. Its rigging allowed for effective navigation and maneuverability in various weather conditions.

History

• 1856–1869: Fleet service included multiple incidents: sail and anchor loss (1856–1858), hole/repairs (1861 Welland Canal), collision damage (1869 Detroit River), and grounding incidents (Lake Huron and Long Point). Despite these, she was refloated and repaired each time.
• 30 October 1870: While heading from Cleveland to St. Catharines laden with coal, Sir Edmund W. Head encountered a significant gale east of Erie. The storm drove her ashore and wrecked her beyond salvage. Four out of six on board were lost during this disaster.

Significant Incidents

• Multiple incidents during service including sail and anchor loss, collision damage, and grounding.
• Wrecked in a storm on 30 October 1870, resulting in four casualties.

Final Disposition

The barkentine stranded and was declared a total loss. The hull was broken up by waves and ice, leaving little recoverable material. No salvage records exist.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No modern archaeological dive or survey has targeted the wreck. Given distance from shore and dynamic lake conditions, wreckage likely lies in deep water and remains unconfirmed.

Resources & Links

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The Sir Edmund W. Head serves as a sobering reminder of the Great Lakes’ autumn tempestuousness in the 19th century. After a resilient service life, a violent storm claimed both the vessel and four lives on 30 October 1870. Though her physical remains remain undiscovered, the tragedy remains chronicled in Great Lakes maritime records.