Trade Wind (1853)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Trade Wind
• Type: Barkentine
• Year Built: 1853
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 140 ft (42.67 m); Not documented; Not documented
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 36.58 m / 120 ft
• Location: Lake Erie, Ontario
• Coordinates: 42° 25.516′ N, 080° 12.056′ W
• Number of Masts: Three masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Trade Wind was a wooden barkentine, a sailing vessel with three masts: square-rigged on the foremast and fore-and-aft rigged on the main and mizzen masts. Barkentines were versatile ships, used extensively for cargo transport due to their efficient sail plan and manageable crew requirements.

Description

The wreck of the Trade Wind lies at 120 ft (36.58 m) in Lake Erie, partially buried in the lakebed, as is common for Lake Erie shipwrecks. The hull is relatively intact but deeply embedded in the sediment. Masts and spars are scattered across the deck and alongside the wreck, while windlass, anchors, and catheads are extant and visible. A capstan and centerboard winch are still present on the site, along with remnants of the cabin structure near the stern. The rudder and ship’s wheel are intact and located on site. Cargo, including stoves and railroad rails, remains on the deck and within the hold but is mostly buried in silt. Collision damage is evident on the starboard side, confirming the reported cause of the sinking.

History

Built in 1853, the Trade Wind was active on the Great Lakes for just one year before sinking in 1854. It reportedly sank in Lake Erie following a collision that caused damage to the starboard side of the vessel. Though its operational history was brief, the wreck is significant as it offers a snapshot of mid-19th century shipbuilding and commerce on the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

• Reportedly sank in Lake Erie following a collision that caused damage to the starboard side.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Trade Wind is confirmed and lies at a depth of 120 ft (36.58 m) in Lake Erie. The site is protected under Ontario heritage laws, and divers are encouraged to observe but not disturb or remove artifacts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is relatively intact but deeply embedded in sediment. Visibility in Lake Erie can be variable, influenced by silt and sediment in the water. The site offers a valuable opportunity for maritime archaeology and diving exploration.

Resources & Links

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The wreck of the Trade Wind offers a rare example of a mid-19th-century barkentine preserved in the cold waters of Lake Erie. The presence of cargo such as railroad rails highlights the role of sailing vessels in supporting the industrial growth of the Great Lakes region.