Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Wm. Buckley (also known as Wm. Buckly)
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1834
- Builder: Point Peninsula, New York
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 112 tons
- Location: Mouth of Cleveland Harbor, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: approximately three-quarters of a mile offshore from Cleveland Harbor
- Original Owners: Captain Neil Buckley
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Wm. Buckley was a wooden schooner, a type of vessel commonly used for transporting bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes.
Description
The Wm. Buckley was constructed in 1834 in Point Peninsula, New York, with a tonnage of 112 tons. It was equipped with two masts and primarily engaged in the transportation of coal and other goods.
History
The Wm. Buckley played a significant role in the trade routes of the Great Lakes, operating out of Conneaut, Ohio. Under the command of Captain Neil Buckley, the vessel faced several incidents, including grounding at Sandytown in 1850 and again in 1851.
Significant Incidents
- April 4, 1850: Grounded at Sandytown, near Buffalo, New York.
- April 4, 1851: Broached to while entering harbor and went ashore again at Sandytown during a gale.
Final Disposition
On November 25, 1854, the Wm. Buckley sank after striking a spile near the East Pier while attempting to avoid a collision with the steamer May Queen. The crew was rescued, but the vessel was left on the lakebed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Wm. Buckley is believed to be in deep water near the East Pier, with masts that were partially visible above the surface after sinking.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”wm-buckley-wm-buckly” title=”References & Links”]
The story of the Wm. Buckley serves as a reminder of the perils faced by 19th-century sailors on the Great Lakes, highlighting the challenges of navigation and the resilience of those who sailed these waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →