W.H. Daley (1856)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: W.H. Daley
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1856
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Lake Erie
• Coordinates: Not recorded

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The W.H. Daley was a traditional wooden-hulled Great Lakes schooner, used primarily for hauling bulk cargo—such as coal—between lake ports. Like many schooners of her era, she was vulnerable to leaks and storm damage, particularly when heavily laden and under sail in foul weather.

Description

The W.H. Daley was a wooden schooner that primarily transported coal across Lake Erie. Her construction and design were typical of the mid-19th century, focusing on functionality for bulk cargo transport.

History

On September 8, 1860, while navigating Lake Erie during a storm, the W.H. Daley sprang a leak and eventually sank. Her crew, stranded amid the gale, survived by clinging to the rigging for 17 hours before being rescued. The event was likely traumatic but emblematic of the dangerous work involved in mid-19th-century Great Lakes commerce. No deaths were reported, but the vessel was declared a total loss.

Significant Incidents

• September 8, 1860: The W.H. Daley sank in Lake Erie due to a storm-induced hull failure.

Final Disposition

The W.H. Daley sank in Lake Erie due to storm-induced hull failure. The final position of the wreck is unknown, and it is not a documented dive site.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the W.H. Daley is not accessible for diving as its exact location is undocumented. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and practice no-touch documentation methods.

Resources & Links

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As a reminder, when exploring shipwrecks like the W.H. Daley, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by preserving the history and integrity of these underwater sites.