Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Crevola
  • Official number: Not documented
  • Year built: 1848, Milan, Ohio by Ruggles & Shupe; Master Carpenter: L. S. Ruggles
  • Type: Two‑masted wooden Schooner, one Deck
  • Dimensions: 107 ft 8 in × 23 ft 10 in × 9 ft 1 in (32.8 m × 7.3 m × 2.8 m)
  • Tonnage: 212.8 tons (old measure)
  • Date lost: 28 October 1863
  • Location: Near Port Bruce, Ontario, Lake Erie
  • Cargo: Wheat
  • Casualties: None documented

Vessel Type

A mid‑19th‑century wooden Schooner used for bulk grain transport on the Great Lakes, representing typical regional commercial practices.

Description

Crafted with heavy timber framing suited for the grain trade, the Crevola featured a spacious hold for bulk cargo. She had two masts with Fore-and-Aft Sails and minimal superstructure.

History

  • 1848: Launched and enrolled at Sandusky, Ohio; later re‑registered in Buffalo, NY.
  • 1852–1854: Changes in ownership included Detroit-based trade; grounded in Milwaukee (1856), later repaired and re-engaged in Lake Erie transport.
  • 1857–1862: Incident-prone, survived collisions and groundings, followed by rebuilding efforts in 1859.
  • 1863 (June–Sept): Collided with ISABEL in Toledo Bay; grounded near Point Pelee.
  • 28 October 1863: While carrying wheat, lost in a storm off Port Bruce, Lake Erie, after struggling ashore and breaking up. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Elgin County)

Final Disposition

Grounded during the storm and broken up by heavy surf. There is no detailed record of salvage efforts, and the Hull was likely fragmented by subsequent wave action.

Located By & Date Found

No known archaeological surveys or remapping efforts. Wreckage remains likely scattered in shallow waters off Port Bruce. No dive or survey logs exist.

Notmar & Advisories

None specifically linked to the Crevola. However, Port Bruce and surrounding sands are prone to shallow groundings and sudden autumn storms; mariners should exercise caution.

Resources & Links

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (C‑list) — confirms build, dimensions, loss details, and no casualties (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
  • History of Elgin County — notes sinking near Port Bruce in October 1863 (Elgin County)

Conclusion

Crevola’s 1863 loss exemplifies the dangers faced by wooden schooners on Lake Erie—especially during late-season storms with heavy cargo. Despite surviving earlier collisions and groundings, she succumbed to autumn weather off Port Bruce. Today, Crevola is remembered through registry entries and shipwreck catalogues, though no physical remains have been located.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: Crevola, Schooner, wheat cargo, Port Bruce, 1863 storm wreck
  • Categories: Wooden grain schooners, Lake Erie 19th-century shipwrecks, autumn storm losses
  • Glossary:
    • Enrolled: Official vessel registration with port authorities.
    • Grounding: Stranding on shore or submerged shore features.
    • Old tonnage: Historical volumetric measure of cargo capacity.