AH-WR-0857

Sand Merchant

Sandsucker (Bulk Sand Dredge) · United States · Lost 1936 · The Lake Erie Islands

A Canadian sand-dredging steamer that capsized in an October gale off Cleveland, killing 19 of 26 aboard, including the mate's wife.

Become Captain of Record See Shipwreck on Map

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents. See the documented evidence.

Historically Reconstructed. Drawn from partial documentation of this vessel together with her known class and configuration. See the documented evidence.

The Vessel and Her Loss

Built in 1927 at Collingwood, Ontario, as a purpose-built sand dredge, the Sand Merchant worked the sand grounds of western Lake Erie for Ontario and Ohio construction markets. On October 17, 1936, a violent gale caught her while inbound to Cleveland and she capsized, killing 19 of the 26 people aboard. She was never salvaged and lies inverted off Avon Point.

Vessel

Built: 1927
Registry: Canadian registry No. C153443
Builder: Collingwood Shipbuilding Company
Yard: Collingwood, Ontario
Material: Steel
Length: 252 ft
Beam: 44 ft
Tonnage: 1981
Propulsion: Steam, triple expansion, single screw
Owners: National Sand and Material Co., Ltd., chartered from the Royal Trust Co. of Montreal

Loss

Date: October 17, 1936
Cause: Storm
Location: About 15 miles northwest of Cleveland, off Avon Point, Lake Erie
Water: Lake Erie
Voyage: Sand grounds off Point Pelee, Ontario → Cleveland, Ohio
Cargo: Lake sand
Aboard: 26
Lives lost: 19
Master: Graham MacLelland

The Wreck Today

Depth: 60-65
Condition: Lies upside down on a mud bottom, bow facing southeast, with deck cranes and debris scattered around the hull; covered in zebra mussels.
Orientation: Inverted, bow southeast
Discovered: Not established
Protection: Not established