Sir T. Van Straubenzie – Lake Erie Schooner Shipwreck (1909)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Sir T. Van Straubenzie
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1875
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: 130 ft (39.6 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 61 m / 200 ft
• Location: Lake Erie, near Long Point
• Coordinates: Not released

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: The SIR T. VAN STRAUBENZIE was a wooden schooner, notable for its robust design and ability to endure repairs and refits throughout its service in the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Description

The SIR T. VAN STRAUBENZIE was a wooden schooner with a storied history marked by multiple ownership changes, significant incidents, and eventual loss in Lake Erie. It was equipped with wire rigging and notable features such as a cast iron bell and a yawl boat.

History

Historical Highlights:

• 1875: Launched in May with its first service in the Great Lakes.
• 1883: Stranded in Lake Superior in November but salvaged.
• 1885: Wrecked on Lake Superior’s north shore in July; repaired in Collingwood.
• 1886–1895: Changed hands multiple times, with owners including John B. Miller of Parry Sound, Isaac H. Radford of Toronto, and John Williams.
• 1889: Encountered leaks while navigating Lake Ontario.
• 1909: On September 27, the schooner sank in Lake Erie, approximately 20 miles southwest of Port Colborne.

Significant Incidents

Final Disposition: The SIR T. VAN STRAUBENZIE sank following a collision with the steamer CITY OF ERIE. While investigations into the incident raised questions about the presence of proper signal lights, eyewitness accounts confirmed their operation. The collision led to the tragic loss of two lives, including Mrs. Madeline Connolly, the ship’s cook, and an unidentified seaman.

The wreck lies at a depth of 200 feet (61 meters), with the forward mast still standing. Significant damage is evident:

• Collision Damage: Found on the starboard side.
• Cabin: Collapsed.
• Artifacts: A cast iron bell (unmarked) and a wheel are present. The port anchor has been displaced to the starboard side by trawl nets.
• Yawl Boat: Hangs from the stern on the starboard side.

Investigation & Controversy:

• The CITY OF ERIE’s pilot, Edward S. Pickell, was absolved of blame by Captain James Stone, the supervising inspector of steamboats.
• Questions were raised about the adequacy of rescue efforts and the handling of boats during the incident.
• Concerns about the sufficiency of evidence in the United States investigation led W. J. Corson of Toronto to request a Canadian inquiry, citing jurisdiction over the Canadian waters where the incident occurred.

Final Disposition

The SIR T. VAN STRAUBENZIE sank following a collision with the steamer CITY OF ERIE. Investigations raised questions about signal lights, but eyewitness accounts confirmed their operation. The collision resulted in the loss of two lives.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility:

• Depth: 200 feet (61 meters), suitable for advanced technical divers only.
• Condition: While the cabin is collapsed and some parts of the wreck are entangled in trawl nets, the standing mast, bell, wheel, and yawl boat offer points of interest for exploration.

Resources & Links

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The SIR T. VAN STRAUBENZIE is a fascinating wreck for technical divers and maritime historians. Its intact features, tragic history, and contested investigations into its sinking provide a rich narrative that continues to intrigue those exploring the depths of Lake Erie.