Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Torrent
- Type: Schooner, wood, 2-mast
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: John E. Dixon, Newport, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 125 ft (38.1 m); Beam: 30 ft (9.14 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.35 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 412 tons (372.8 m³)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 18.29 m / 60 ft
- Location: 10 miles east of Port Stanley, Ontario
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: E.W. Bissell, Detroit
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type & Design
The Torrent was a 2-mast schooner of wooden construction, built by John E. Dixon in 1855 at Newport, Michigan. The vessel was primarily used for transporting bulk cargo, such as railroad iron, across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Torrent were ideal for this type of cargo, given their large holds and the ability to navigate efficiently in the varied conditions of the Lakes.
Description
Description
The Torrent was a wooden schooner designed for the transportation of heavy cargo. With a length of 125 feet and a beam of 30 feet, it had a substantial hold for carrying goods. The vessel’s construction and design were typical of the era, allowing it to navigate the often turbulent waters of the Great Lakes.
History
History
The Torrent was built in 1855 and served in the Great Lakes shipping industry, primarily transporting railroad iron. Its operational history reflects the demands of 19th-century commerce, where schooners played a vital role in the movement of goods across the lakes.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Foundered during a storm on October 30, 1863, while navigating Lake Erie.
- Lost approximately 10 miles east of Port Stanley, Ontario.
- No casualties reported; the entire crew survived the incident.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition & Recovery
The Torrent sank to the bottom of Lake Erie, where it was lost to the waves. While the wreck’s exact final resting place has not been the subject of significant exploration, it is reported to be in 60 feet (18.29 m) of water, which may be accessible to divers under favorable conditions. The wreck’s location near Port Stanley places it within the broader maritime context of the Lake Erie shipping lanes, an area known for frequent storm activity.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Torrent remains submerged in Lake Erie, with its condition largely unknown due to limited exploration. Divers should exercise caution when navigating the area, particularly during stormy weather, as conditions can change rapidly.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”torrent-1855″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The schooner Torrent was a wooden, 2-mast vessel that foundered during a storm on October 30, 1863, in Lake Erie. Although the ship was completely lost, no lives were lost, and the cargo of railroad iron was likely ruined. The wreck of the Torrent remains an example of the many hazards faced by 19th-century Great Lakes vessels navigating the often-turbulent waters of Lake Erie.
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: Torrent
- Official Number: None
- Type at Loss: Schooner, wood, 2-mast
- Builder: John E. Dixon, Newport, Michigan
- Date Built: 1855
- Specifications: Length: 125 feet (38.1 m) Beam: 30 feet (9.14 m) Depth: 11 feet (3.35 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 412 tons (372.8 m³)
- Overall Length: 137 feet (41.76 m)
- Date of Loss: October 30, 1863
- Place of Loss: 10 miles east of Port Stanley, Ontario, Lake Erie
- Cargo: Railroad iron
- Owner at Loss: E.W. Bissell, Detroit
Vessel Type & Design
The Torrent was a 2-mast schooner of wooden construction, built by John E. Dixon in 1855 at Newport, Michigan. The vessel was primarily used for transporting bulk cargo, such as railroad iron, across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Torrent were ideal for this type of cargo, given their large holds and the ability to navigate efficiently in the varied conditions of the Lakes.
Final Voyage & Loss
On October 30, 1863, the Torrent was bound from Buffalo to Little Bay de Noc (Green Bay) with a cargo of railroad iron. During the voyage, the vessel was caught in a violent storm while navigating on Lake Erie. The schooner foundered approximately 10 miles east of Port Stanley, Ontario in 60 feet (18.29 m) of water. Despite the severity of the storm, there were no casualties, and the entire crew survived. The ship was owned by E.W. Bissell of Detroit, and the cargo it carried was a valuable commodity at the time.
Final Disposition & Recovery
The Torrent sank to the bottom of Lake Erie, where it was lost to the waves. While the wreck’s exact final resting place has not been the subject of significant exploration, it is reported to be in 60 feet (18.29 m) of water, which may be accessible to divers under favorable conditions. The wreck’s location near Port Stanley places it within the broader maritime context of the Lake Erie shipping lanes, an area known for frequent storm activity.
Notmars & Advisories
Port Stanley and its surrounding waters can be treacherous, particularly during autumn months when storms are most prevalent. Navigating these waters requires caution, especially for vessels carrying heavy or unbalanced cargo. Lake Erie is notorious for rapidly changing weather patterns, and vessels such as the Torrent are prone to encountering sudden squalls and storm systems, which can quickly lead to foundering.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The schooner Torrent was a wooden, 2-mast vessel that foundered during a storm on October 30, 1863, in Lake Erie. Although the ship was completely lost, no lives were lost, and the cargo of railroad iron was likely ruined. The wreck of the Torrent remains an example of the many hazards faced by 19th-century Great Lakes vessels navigating the often-turbulent waters of Lake Erie.
Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Schooner wrecks, Lake Erie shipwrecks, 1863 Great Lakes storm, 19th-century cargo vessels, railroad iron transport
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Erie, Storm-induced shipwrecks, 19th-century schooners, Great Lakes shipping history
Glossary Terms: Schooner, Storm Loss, Foundering, Lake Erie
torrent-1855 1863-10-30 07:55:00