Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Vermont
• Type: Wood-hulled propeller steamer
• Year Built: 1851
• Builder: Ohio City, Ohio
• Dimensions: Approx. 136 × 22 × 9 ft; ~257 tons
• Registered Tonnage: 257 tons
• Location: East of Long Point, Lake Erie

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wood-hulled propeller steamer (passenger & package freight)

Description

The Vermont was a wooden propeller steamer built in 1851, primarily used for passenger and package freight transport. It measured approximately 136 feet in length, 22 feet in beam, and had a depth of 9 feet.

History

The Vermont was constructed in Ohio City, Ohio, and was registered as a neutral vessel, likely under U.S. Great Lakes registration. It operated in the busy shipping lanes of Lake Erie during the mid-19th century.

Significant Incidents

• The Vermont sank on November 1, 1863, after colliding with the downbound propeller Marquette in foggy or low-visibility conditions.
• No casualties were reported, and it is presumed that the crew and passengers were rescued.
• The collision occurred in a well-known hazard zone, highlighting the dangers of navigation in such conditions.
• The impact caused the Vermont to sink rapidly, and there is no known salvage or recovery of the hull.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Vermont serves as a historical example of mid-19th-century maritime incidents, particularly the collisions that occurred among similarly powered vessels in the busy shipping lanes of Lake Erie. The absence of fatalities and the swift sinking reflect the safety protocols and rescue readiness of the time.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is not documented, and accessibility for divers may vary. Further exploration and research may be needed to assess the site.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”vermont-1851″ title=”References & Links”]

The Vermont remains a significant wreck in the history of Lake Erie, illustrating the challenges faced by vessels in the region during the 19th century.