IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Sultan was a two-masted Brig, a popular sailing vessel type during the mid-19th century. With square rigging on both masts, brigs like the Sultan were highly versatile and well-suited for freight transport across the Great Lakes. Built in Chicago around 1847 or 1848, the vessel served for over a decade before undergoing a significant Rebuild in Buffalo in 1863, likely extending its operational lifespan until its tragic wreck.

HISTORY

The Sultan had a notable career in Great Lakes shipping, beginning its service in the bustling port of Chicago. After years of reliable freight transport, the Brig was Rebuilt in Buffalo in 1863, reflecting the demand for robust vessels in the competitive shipping industry of the era.

On September 27, 1864, while carrying cargo from Cleveland to Buffalo, the Sultan was caught in a severe gale off Euclid, Ohio, approximately 8 miles from Cleveland. The storm overwhelmed the Brig, leading to its destruction.

Three crew members—Monroe Ellsworth, Barney Carrol, and Stephen Johnson—attempted to escape the sinking vessel in a small boat. Tragically, only the bodies of Ellsworth and Carrol were recovered near the scene. Johnson’s body was later found by the propeller Granite State and brought to the city for burial.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Sultan was declared a Total Loss following the storm. The remains of the Brig are believed to be scattered across the lakebed, reflecting the severity of the wreck and the passage of time.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

Current Notices: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Sultan wreck site.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The exact location of the Sultan wreck has not been determined, and no GPS coordinates are available for divers.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Given the age of the wreck and the violence of the storm that caused the sinking, the Sultan is presumed to be in poor condition, with debris likely scattered across the lakebed. The site is not known to be accessible for diving or exploration.

RESOURCES & LINKS

TAGS – Sultan Euclid Brig Shipwreck Great Lakes Shipwrecks Lake Erie

CONCLUSION

The loss of the Sultan illustrates the perilous nature of sailing on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The unpredictable weather and the challenges of navigation could turn routine voyages into disasters. The wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery of the sailors who risked their lives to support trade and transport in this vital region. The story of the Sultan remains a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, reflecting the resilience of the vessels and the crews that navigated these challenging waters.