Valentine

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: VALENTINE
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: White, Conneaut, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: Not specified; Beam: Not specified; Depth: Not specified
• Registered Tonnage: 273 tons
• Location: Lake Erie, approximately 40 miles east of Point au Pelee
• Original Owners: Mr. Capon, Conneaut, Ohio
• Number of Masts: Three-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The VALENTINE was a flat-bottomed, three-masted wooden schooner, representative of the mid-19th century cargo vessels that traversed the Great Lakes. These schooners were designed to transport bulk goods, relying on their sturdy construction and spacious decks to endure the harsh conditions and unpredictable weather characteristic of the region.

Description

Launched in 1867, the VALENTINE was constructed by White of Conneaut, Ohio, for Mr. Capon, also of Conneaut. Serving the Great Lakes trade routes, the schooner became a reliable transporter of goods for over a decade.

History

On the fateful night of October 10, 1877, the VALENTINE succumbed to a violent storm while navigating Lake Erie. The crew, unable to save the vessel, abandoned ship and spent a harrowing 16 hours in a small boat before reaching safety six miles south of Fairport. They survived with only the clothes they were wearing.

Reports soon surfaced about a sunken three-masted vessel in the vicinity of the VALENTINE‘s last known location. Among these reports was an account by the propeller CHINA of the Anchor Line, which described encountering the wreck approximately 40 miles east of Point au Pelee. The visible topmasts confirmed the wreck posed a significant hazard to navigation. Subsequent investigations verified that the submerged vessel was indeed the VALENTINE.

Significant Incidents

• October 10, 1877: The VALENTINE foundered during a severe storm off Cleveland, Ohio.
• The crew abandoned ship and survived a 16-hour ordeal in a small boat.
• Reports of a sunken vessel confirmed the wreck’s location approximately 40 miles east of Point au Pelee.

Final Disposition

The VALENTINE foundered during a severe storm off Cleveland, Ohio, on October 10, 1877. The wreck was later located approximately 40 miles east of Point au Pelee. It remained a navigational hazard with its topmasts visible above the waterline. The schooner and her cargo were declared a total loss.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the VALENTINE wreck site. Mariners navigating the area should exercise caution and consult local authorities.

Resources & Links

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The sinking of the VALENTINE is a poignant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating both the bravery of the sailors and the dangers inherent to their trade. After a decade of service, the vessel met its end in a fierce storm, a fate common for schooners of its era. The crew’s narrow escape underscores the peril of navigating Lake Erie during the stormy months. The story of the VALENTINE enriches our understanding of the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and the challenges faced by those who sailed them.