Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: W.S. Crosthwait
• Type: Three-masted wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: East Saginaw, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 673.20 tons; Net Tonnage: 639.54 tons
• Location: Conneaut, Ohio
• Coordinates: Not available
• Official Number: U.S. Official Number 80344
• Original Owners: Mr. John Kelderhouse and Captain McIlvee
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Three-masted wooden schooner.

Description

The W.S. Crosthwaite was a wooden schooner primarily engaged in freight transportation on the Great Lakes. Constructed in East Saginaw, Michigan, the vessel was known for its significant cargo capacity and durability as a typical schooner of its time. Its gross tonnage of 673.20 tons and net tonnage of 639.54 tons made it a key component in the shipping of commodities like flaxseed across the region.

History

The W.S. Crosthwaite was owned by Mr. John Kelderhouse and Captain McIlvee, with its home port listed as Sandusky, Ohio. During its operational life, the schooner regularly sailed between major Great Lakes ports, carrying various cargoes. On the fateful voyage from Chicago to Buffalo, the vessel was loaded with flaxseed when it encountered a severe squall off Conneaut, Ohio. The storm caused the mainmast to snap below the head, damaged the foremast’s cross tree, and sprung the mizzen mast. The extent of the damage incapacitated the vessel.

The tug ANNA P. DORR was dispatched to assist the distressed schooner and successfully towed her to Buffalo, New York. Repairs to the damage were extensive and estimated at $2,000, a significant expense during that time. The event highlighted the risks of maritime trade during the era, where ships often faced the full brunt of unpredictable weather.

Significant Incidents

• Significant damage occurred during a heavy squall off Conneaut, Ohio, resulting in the mainmast snapping and damage to the foremast and mizzen mast.
• The vessel was towed to Buffalo for repairs by the tug ANNA P. DORR.

Final Disposition

The W.S. Crosthwaite survived this incident and was repaired in Buffalo. However, specific details about its ultimate fate or final disposition remain unavailable in the data provided.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The ship was towed to Buffalo for repairs and was not reported as lost. There are no ongoing navigational warnings or hazards related to the vessel’s location.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-s-crosthwait-us-80344″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

As a part of Great Lakes maritime history, the W.S. Crosthwaite serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and the importance of preserving our underwater heritage. Remember to respect these sites and practice no-touch documentation methods while diving.