Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Thomas R. Merritt
- Type: Three-Masted Schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder: Port Dalhousie, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length: 138 ft (42.06 m); Beam: 26 ft; Depth of hold: 12.2 ft
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 374 tons; Net Tonnage: 327 tons
- Location: East of Fair Haven, New York, Lake Ontario
- Official Number: U72212
- Original Owners: Carson & McKay, St. Catharines, Ontario (as of 1898)
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Thomas R. Merritt was a three-masted schooner, a type of sailing vessel commonly used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes.
Description
Constructed with a wooden hull and a single deck, the Thomas R. Merritt was designed to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. With dimensions of 138 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and a depth of 12.2 feet, it was well-suited for its role in the grain and goods trade.
History
Registered in April 1874 in St. Catharines, Ontario, the Thomas R. Merritt was built at Port Dalhousie. Over its operational life, it underwent several ownership changes, with notable owners including John O’Neil and later Carson & McKay. The vessel was actively involved in the Great Lakes trade, contributing significantly to the region’s economy.
Significant Incidents
- June 1883: Ran aground on Snake Island but was refloated.
- 1888: Involved in a collision with the steamer Escanaba in the St. Mary’s River, resulting in considerable damage but was successfully repaired.
Final Disposition
The Thomas R. Merritt wrecked during a severe storm on September 12, 1900, while navigating Lake Ontario. Driven ashore east of Fair Haven, New York, the vessel broke up under the storm’s relentless waves. At the time, it was carrying a cargo of grain from Hamilton, Ontario, to Oswego, New York.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Thomas R. Merritt lies beneath the waters of Lake Ontario, serving as a historical site that reflects the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to leave the site better than they found it.
Resources & Links
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The legacy of the Thomas R. Merritt endures as a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes vessels. Its story highlights the challenges faced by ships in this region and serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history that continues to shape the Great Lakes today.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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