Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sophia Minch
- Type: Three-masted schooner (later converted to a schooner barge)
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Vermilion, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length: 184.5 ft (56.2 m); Beam: 33.5 ft; Depth of hold: 13.5 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 635 tons
- Location: Lake Ontario
- Official Number: U.S. 115166 (U.S.), C. 116956 (Canada)
- Original Owners: Minch interests, L. P. & J. S. Smith, Miles Barry, Captain James Sheehan, Point Anne Quarries Ltd.
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Sophia Minch was originally constructed as a three-masted schooner, a prevalent vessel type for Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th century. It was later converted into a schooner barge, which allowed it to be towed by steamers, extending its operational life.
Description
Built in 1873, the Sophia Minch was designed for carrying bulk cargoes such as coal, grain, and stone. Its dimensions included a length of 184.5 feet, a beam of 33.5 feet, and a depth of 13.5 feet. The vessel had a gross tonnage of 635 tons and a net tonnage of 603 tons.
History
The Sophia Minch was built for the Minch interests, which later became part of the Kinsman Marine Transit Company. In the 1880s, it was converted to a schooner barge, allowing it to continue operating without a full crew. The vessel was sold in July 1899 to L. P. & J. S. Smith and was involved in a storm incident shortly after, leading to its presumed loss.
Significant Incidents
- July 8, 1899: The Sophia Minch was wrecked in a storm near Ashtabula while being towed.
- Spring 1900: Salvaged by Miles Barry with little damage.
- 1926: Scuttled in Lake Ontario after being retired.
Final Disposition
After being salvaged in 1900, the Sophia Minch returned to service and was sold multiple times until its retirement in the 1920s. It was eventually scuttled in 1926 in Lake Ontario.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the Sophia Minch wreck is confirmed, but specific details about its state underwater are not documented.
Resources & Links
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The Sophia Minch serves as a testament to the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels, reflecting the maritime commerce evolution in the region. Its history underscores the importance of preserving such sites for future generations.
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