Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Southampton
- Type: Barkentine
- Year Built: 1860
- Builder: Garden Island, Lake Ontario
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Erie
- Number of Masts: Three-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type: Barkentine
Description
The Southampton was a three-masted sailing vessel designed for versatility in wind conditions, featuring square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the other masts. Constructed of wood, it was primarily used for bulk cargo transport, likely carrying timber, grain, or coal.
History
The Southampton was built in 1860 during a peak period of maritime trade on the Great Lakes. It operated on Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and potentially Lake Michigan, contributing to the timber and grain trades that were vital to the economies of Ontario and the northeastern United States.
Significant Incidents
- Final Voyage: The Southampton sank in 1904 in Lake Erie, likely due to severe weather or structural failure, as it was an aging wooden vessel.
- Loss: The sinking resulted in a total loss of the vessel, with no detailed account of the incident surviving.
Final Disposition
The Southampton exemplifies the transition from wooden sailing vessels to steel-hulled ships in the early 20th century, marking the end of an era in Great Lakes shipping.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The exact coordinates of the wreck of the Southampton are not documented, and its current condition remains unknown.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”southampton-1860″ title=”References & Links”]
The legacy of the Southampton is significant in the context of 19th-century maritime history, reflecting the challenges faced by wooden vessels as technological advancements transformed shipping practices.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →