Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William Monteath
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: Likely in Fairport or nearby Ohio yards
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: string
- Location: Lake Erie
- Coordinates: string
- Official Number: string
- Original Owners: E. K. Bruce, Buffalo, NY
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The William Monteath was a wooden, two-masted schooner primarily engaged in bulk freight, especially iron and coal, across Lake Erie.
Description
Built around 1846, the William Monteath was likely constructed in Fairport or nearby Ohio yards. It was enrolled at Buffalo, NY under owner E. K. Bruce.
History
The vessel was operational for several years, primarily transporting iron and coal. It was known for its vulnerability to the severe weather conditions typical of Lake Erie, particularly during autumn gales.
Significant Incidents
- Date: October 14, 1854 (sometimes erroneously reported as 1864)
- Route: Bound from Erie, PA to Chicago, IL, carrying iron and coal
- Incident: Caught in a severe storm and driven ashore on Lake Erie
- Outcome: Wrecked; crew managed to salvage part of the cargo before abandoning the hull, which was left to break up
- Casualties: None reported
- Master: Captain M. Dimmick
Final Disposition
During the storm on October 14, the William Monteath lost control amid tumultuous seas and was driven onto the shoreline. The crew successfully salvaged some iron and coal before abandoning the ship, which was left to be destroyed by waves.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the William Monteath is confirmed to have broken up on the shore, with no remaining hull salvageable. The site may be accessible for diving, but conditions can vary significantly.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”william-monteath-1846″ title=”References & Links”]
The wreck of the William Monteath serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating Lake Erie, particularly during severe weather. Further research into historical records may provide additional insights into the vessel’s operational history and the circumstances surrounding its loss.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
(Schooner, approx. 1846–1854)
Loss Summary
- Date: October 14, 1854 (sometimes erroneously reported as 1864)
- Route: Bound from Erie, PA to Chicago, IL, carrying iron and coal
- Incident: Caught in a severe storm and driven ashore on Lake Erie
- Outcome: Wrecked; crew managed to salvage part of the cargo before abandoning the hull, which was left to break up
- Casualties: None reported
- Master: Captain M. Dimmick
- Owner: E. K. Bruce, Buffalo, NY (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Operational and Ownership Details
- Built around 1846, likely in Fairport or nearby Ohio yards
- Wood-hulled, two-masted schooner engaged in bulk freight—especially iron and coal—across Lake Erie
- Enrolled at Buffalo, NY under owner E. K. Bruce
Final Voyage & Wreck Conditions
- During the October 14 storm, the WILLIAM MONTEATH lost control amid tumultuous seas
- She was driven onto the shoreline and wrecked; the crew onboard successfully salvaged some iron and coal before abandoning ship — but the hull was not salvageable and was left to be destroyed by waves (alcheminc.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Sources & Citations
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files entry provides the official summary of the loss (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Note: The year 1864 is likely an erroneous transcription in some historical indexes; all reliable documentation confirms the date as October 14, 1854
Historical Significance & Next Steps
- Weather and Navigation Risks: The wreck underscores vulnerability of schooners in autumn Lake Erie gales, even on familiar freight routes
- Cargo Salvage: Partial cargo recovery indicates early informal rescue efforts by crew
- Human Cost: The successful escape of the crew points to effective emergency response, though individual names remain undocumented
Potential Next Research Avenues:
- Contemporary newspapers (Erie Gazette, Buffalo Morning Express, Chicago Democrat in Oct 1854) may provide full crew lists, storm meteorology, and eyewitness insights
- Harbor and marine logs at Erie and Buffalo could record grounding location, hull condition, and any follow-up investigation
- Insurance & Underwriter Reports: E. K. Bruce’s files might include damage claims or deposition reports
- Enrollment/Audit Records: NARA Region 5 might hold original vessel documentation, including master’s details, cargo manifest, and abandonment declaration
Quick Reference
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | c.1846, likely Ohio yard |
| Type | Wooden two-masted schooner |
| Cargo | Iron and coal |
| Final Incident | Oct 14, 1854 – driven ashore in gale |
| Crew | Saved; no casualties |
| Disposition | Abandoned; hull broke up on shore |