Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Tempest
- Type: Propeller steamer (bulk freight)
- Year Built: 1872
- Builder: D. Lester, Marine City, Michigan
- Dimensions: 159 ft × 30 ft × 13 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 412 gross / 341 net tons
- Location: ~20 miles off Erie, Pennsylvania
- Official Number: Not available, but removed from registry post-1918
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Tempest was a wooden propeller steamer designed for bulk freight transport.
Description
Constructed in 1872, the Tempest featured a single-deck configuration and was powered by a 575 horsepower steam engine. The vessel was primarily used for towing operations.
History
On her final voyage, the Tempest was towing the schooner J. I. Case when she encountered severe weather conditions. The vessel developed a catastrophic leak and sank quickly, resulting in the loss of one crew member.
Significant Incidents
- Towing Duty: On final voyage, was performing a towing operation for the schooner J. I. Case.
- Loss Event: In heavy weather, the Tempest developed a catastrophic leak and quickly foundered, unable to maintain buoyancy; the tow was lost/separated.
- Casualty Report: Crew safety unclear apart from confirmed one fatality associated with the sinking.
Final Disposition
The Tempest sank approximately 20 miles off Erie, Pennsylvania, in Lake Erie. No documented wreck discovery or survey records exist, and the wreck is believed to be in deep waters beyond recreational diving limits.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, there are no confirmed wreck locations for the Tempest, and it is likely situated in deep-water conditions.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”tempest-1872″ title=”References & Links”]
The Tempest represents a bulk-freight steamer engaged in towing service on Lake Erie during WWI. Built in 1872, she sank on 27 August 1918 after taking on water in a sudden storm while towing the schooner J. I. Case, resulting in a fatality and the loss of the vessel, with no known remains discovered to date.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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