Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: W.A. Adair
• Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1845
• Builder: Jacob Walker in Black River, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length 60 ft (18.3 m); Beam 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Approximately 61 tons
• Location: Near Dunkirk, New York
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner

Description

The W.A. ADAIR served as a coal transport vessel on Lake Erie, a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping network during the mid-19th century. It was built to withstand the demanding conditions of freight transport but was plagued by a series of mishaps throughout its career.

History

Operational History: The W.A. ADAIR served as a coal transport vessel on Lake Erie, a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping network during the mid-19th century. It was built to withstand the demanding conditions of freight transport but was plagued by a series of mishaps throughout its career.

Early Incidents:

• 1846 Collision with Steamer WISCONSIN: The schooner collided with the steamer in Buffalo, New York, requiring repairs. This incident was one of many that marked its tumultuous service life.
• 1847 Capsizing Near Dunkirk, New York: The vessel capsized in rough conditions, tragically resulting in the loss of all hands.
• Repeated Groundings and Damage: The W.A. ADAIR frequently ran aground, struck reefs, and endured significant structural damage in collisions and harbor incidents.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage and Demise: On October 22, 1860, the W.A. ADAIR embarked on a journey from Buffalo, New York, to Erie, Pennsylvania, carrying coal. The vessel encountered a severe storm on Lake Erie, during which it sprang a leak.

Actions Taken: In a desperate attempt to save the ship and its crew, the captain ordered the vessel run ashore near Dunkirk, New York. While the crew survived, the schooner broke apart in the storm’s aftermath, resulting in its total loss.

Final Disposition

The W.A. ADAIR is remembered as a workhorse of the Great Lakes coal trade that met an untimely end due to the harsh conditions of Lake Erie. Its history, punctuated by accidents and repairs, reflects the challenges faced by mid-19th-century schooners navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The story of the W.A. ADAIR highlights the resilience and risk inherent in early Great Lakes shipping. Despite a series of incidents throughout its 15 years of service, the vessel played a crucial role in coal transport before its final loss in 1860 near Dunkirk, New York. Its story serves as a reminder of the perilous conditions faced by early mariners in the region.

Resources & Links

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For divers interested in the history of maritime transport and shipwrecks, the W.A. ADAIR offers a poignant example of the challenges faced by vessels in the Great Lakes during the 19th century.