Wellington US 26224

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Wellington
• Type: schooner
• Year Built: 1855
• Builder: I. Nicholas, Vermilion, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 128 ft (39.01 m); Beam: 24 ft (7.32 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft (3.05 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 225 tons
• Location: Skillagallee Shoal, Lake Michigan
• Official Number: 26224
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Wellington was a wooden, two-masted schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were known for their efficiency in transporting bulk cargo, especially agricultural products like wheat, which was a major export commodity for the Great Lakes region. Their rigging allowed for easy handling by small crews, and their shallow draft enabled access to ports with limited depth.

Description

Constructed in 1855 by I. Nicholas in Vermilion, Ohio, the Wellington measured 128 feet in length, with a 24-foot beam and a 10-foot depth of hold, registering at 225 gross tons. Built primarily for bulk freight transport, her design featured large cargo holds optimized for grain shipments and other agricultural products.

Her wooden hull was typical of the era, designed to withstand the rigors of Great Lakes navigation but vulnerable to damage from storms, collisions, and grounding—common hazards in the unpredictable weather conditions of the region.

History

The Wellington served as a grain schooner, frequently carrying wheat and other bulk goods between agricultural centers in the Midwest and ports along the Great Lakes. Her routes included key trading hubs such as Chicago, Goderich (Ontario), and ports along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

In the weeks leading up to her final voyage, the Wellington experienced a major leak, prompting urgent repairs in Chicago. This incident may have compromised the vessel’s structural integrity, potentially playing a role in her inability to survive the storm that led to her loss.

Significant Incidents

• On September 14, 1867, the Wellington was en route from Chicago to Goderich, Ontario, carrying a substantial load of 14,000 bushels of wheat.
• The vessel encountered a severe storm near Skillagallee Shoal, leading to her grounding and subsequent breakup on the rocks.
• Remarkably, no lives were lost, with the crew likely rescued by nearby vessels or managing to reach safety on their own.

Final Disposition

The Wellington was declared a total loss following the wreck. There are no records of successful salvage efforts, likely due to the extensive damage she sustained and the challenging conditions at Skillagallee Shoal, where strong currents and submerged hazards make recovery operations difficult.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Nil – There are no confirmed reports of the Wellington‘s wreck being discovered. However, given her location at Skillagallee Shoal, remnants may still exist underwater, potentially buried under sediment or scattered across the lakebed.

Resources & Links

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The Wellington‘s story reflects the dangers of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century, when storms, hidden shoals, and structural vulnerabilities posed constant threats to sailors and vessels alike. Despite recent repairs following a major leak, the schooner was unable to survive the forces of nature when she ran aground on Skillagallee Shoal in 1867. Though her cargo and vessel were lost, the survival of her crew speaks to the resilience and quick action often required in such perilous circumstances. Today, the Wellington remains part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan, her final resting place somewhere beneath its waters.