Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Stern Castle

Explore the intriguing wreck of the Stern Castle, a schooner with a prominent raised stern, located at Long Point in Lake Erie. A dive for experienced technical divers.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Stern Castle
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built:
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length: 100 ft (30.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 60 m / 185 ft
  • Location: Long Point, Lake Erie
  • Coordinates: 42° 30.294′ N, 80° 02.379′ W
  • Number of Masts: Visible

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The “Stern Castle” is classified as a schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its fore-and-aft rigging and typically two or more masts.

Description

The “Stern Castle” is a schooner wreck named for its prominent raised stern, the most noticeable feature of the wreck. Despite its midsection being heavily silted over, the bow and stern rise above the lakebed, creating distinctive landmarks for divers. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved vessel from Lake Erie’s rich maritime history.

Features of the Wreck:

  • Stern: The pronounced raised stern is the focal point of the wreck, giving it the nickname “Stern Castle.”
  • Wheel: The schooner’s wheel remains in place, a rare and exciting find for divers.
  • Running Gear: Much of the original rigging and operational components are still present.
  • Masts: The masts are visible and serve as important orientation points in the event of low visibility.
  • Midsection: Almost entirely silted over, creating challenges for exploration.
  • Bow: Rises above the silt along with the stern, providing an accessible area for inspection.

History

The wreck, though unnamed officially, represents the schooners that played vital roles in Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century. Schooners like the “Stern Castle” were essential for transporting goods and materials, and their loss contributes to the rich narrative of maritime challenges on Lake Erie.

Significant Incidents

  • Navigation Hazards: The wreck is not marked on maritime charts. Exercise caution when navigating to the site.
  • Diving Precautions: Suitable only for experienced technical divers due to the depth and low visibility. Proper training and equipment are essential.

Final Disposition

The “Stern Castle” wreck remains submerged at a depth of 185 ft (60 m) and is recognized as a confirmed wreck site. It is not marked on navigational charts, which necessitates careful planning for divers wishing to explore it.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is in a state of preservation, with significant features such as the stern and wheel intact. However, the midsection is heavily silted, which poses challenges for exploration and visibility.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”stern-castle” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The “Stern Castle” wreck is an intriguing dive site for those equipped to explore deep waters. Its unique features, such as the raised stern, intact wheel, and visible masts, make it a rewarding experience for technical divers interested in maritime history. However, the challenges of depth, silt, and low visibility make careful planning essential for a successful dive.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

Identification & Site Information:

  • Name: “Stern Castle” (nickname; official name unknown)
  • Type: Schooner
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 100 ft (30.5 m)
  • Final Depth: 185 ft (60 m)
  • Location: Long Point, Lake Erie
  • Coordinates: 42° 30.294′ N, 80° 02.379′ W

Vessel Description:

The “Stern Castle” is a schooner wreck named for its prominent raised stern, the most noticeable feature of the wreck. Despite its midsection being heavily silted over, the bow and stern rise above the lakebed, creating distinctive landmarks for divers. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved vessel from Lake Erie’s rich maritime history.

Features of the Wreck:

  • Stern: The pronounced raised stern is the focal point of the wreck, giving it the nickname “Stern Castle.”
  • Wheel: The schooner’s wheel remains in place, a rare and exciting find for divers.
  • Running Gear: Much of the original rigging and operational components are still present.
  • Masts: The masts are visible and serve as important orientation points in the event of low visibility.
  • Midsection: Almost entirely silted over, creating challenges for exploration.
  • Bow: Rises above the silt along with the stern, providing an accessible area for inspection.

Diving Experience:

  • Depth: The site is at 185 ft (60 m), making it suitable for technical divers only.
  • Visibility: Can be limited due to heavy silt, which also increases the risk of disorientation.
  • Hazards:
    • Potential for silt-out conditions.
    • Depth requires specialized training, proper gas mixtures, and equipment.
  • Highlights:
    • Exploring the wheel and stern.
    • Observing intact features like the masts and rigging.

Historical Significance:

The wreck, though unnamed officially, represents the schooners that played vital roles in Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century. Schooners like the “Stern Castle” were essential for transporting goods and materials, and their loss contributes to the rich narrative of maritime challenges on Lake Erie.

Notices & Advisories:

  • Navigation Hazards: The wreck is not marked on maritime charts. Exercise caution when navigating to the site.
  • Diving Precautions: Suitable only for experienced technical divers due to the depth and low visibility. Proper training and equipment are essential.

Resources & Links:

Conclusion:

The “Stern Castle” wreck is an intriguing dive site for those equipped to explore deep waters. Its unique features, such as the raised stern, intact wheel, and visible masts, make it a rewarding experience for technical divers interested in maritime history. However, the challenges of depth, silt, and low visibility make careful planning essential for a successful dive.

Tags:

Stern Castle, Long Point wreck, Lake Erie schooner, technical dive, Great Lakes shipwreck.

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