Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

William Monteath (1846)

Explore the wreck of the William Monteath, a two-masted schooner lost in a storm on Lake Erie in 1854. No casualties reported.

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

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

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.