Two Fannies

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Two Fannies
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 152 ft (46.33 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 20 m / 60 ft
• Location: North Bay Village, Lake Erie, near Cleveland Harbour
• Coordinates: 41°33.855’N, 81°55.281’W
• Original Owners: Mary Eldred, M.A. Bradley

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Two Fannies was a wooden-hulled schooner, built for cargo transport on the Great Lakes, with a specialization in carrying heavy loads such as stone. Measuring 152 feet in length, it exemplified the robust design of late 19th-century schooners used to withstand the Great Lakes’ challenging conditions.

The vessel underwent major repairs in 1876 to extend its service life, reflecting its importance in the region’s shipping economy. Despite its adaptations for durability, the schooner ultimately succumbed to the unpredictable weather of Lake Erie.

Description

The schooner Two Fannies had a long service history before its tragic end:

• 1865: Owned by Mary Eldred of Chicago, Illinois, and engaged in Great Lakes cargo transport.
• 1876: Major repairs were undertaken, ensuring its continued viability for heavy cargo transport.
• 1890: On August 10, the schooner foundered in a gale near Cleveland Harbor while carrying stone.
  • The leak worsened at daybreak, causing the vessel to sink rapidly. The crew, including Captain Miller, managed to escape safely using a yawl.

History

In July 1891, the wreck of the Two Fannies posed a navigation hazard, with its spars submerged just below the surface. This led to reports of collisions, such as the sinking of the Fayette Brown, which collided with a steel vessel from the Northern Steamship Company near the same area.

Significant Incidents

• Status: The schooner was declared a total loss and abandoned. Its owner, M.A. Bradley, determined it was not worth salvaging.
• Wreck Site: The remains, including partially submerged spars, lie near Cleveland Harbor, serving as a navigation hazard during its time.

Final Disposition

The wreck remains in 60 feet of water. The spars protrude just below the water’s surface, marking the site and posing a risk to navigation. The hull and remaining structure are likely in an advanced state of decay due to exposure and age.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Accessibility:

Accessible to experienced divers due to its moderate depth. Divers must be cautious of the spars and potential hazards like entanglement from debris.

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck. However, historical records note the site as a navigation hazard due to the proximity of the spars to the water’s surface.

Resources & Links

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The Two Fannies schooner highlights the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners in the late 19th century. Despite its vital role in the region’s cargo trade, the vessel met its end in a Lake Erie gale, leaving behind a partially submerged wreck that continues to capture the interest of historians and divers. The spars, just below the water’s surface, served as a visible marker of the wreck’s location and a cautionary tale for navigation in the bustling waters of Cleveland Harbor.