The Wreck Today: The wreck of the Belle Mitchell sits on a sand bottom and has not been disturbed by man since the day she went down. Beginning at the bow, the bowsprit is broken and one anchor remains on the port side. There is a windlass, mainmast hole, winch, pump, and the first of three hatches. A capstan follows with another small hatch revealing an offset centerboard. The mainmast hole is octagonal and surrounded by a fife rail. Behind this is a second pump, another sheet winch, a hold, and opening for the cabin.
In the cabin area are two stoves, dishes, and the compass base. The wheel is aft of this. The cabin top lies off the port side of the stern. Following the chain that snakes along the port gunnels, you will find two large barrels on the outside, but leaning upright against the schooner. A brass bell that has the words “bell foundry” lies in the bow to the port side near the windlass. The foremast is off the port bow and perpendicular to the boat.
For now, this “Belle” of a schooner will remain a secret in order to keep her time capsule of artifacts intact.
In the cabin area are two stoves, dishes, and the compass base. The wheel is aft of this. The cabin top lies off the port side of the stern. Following the chain that snakes along the port gunnels, you will find two large barrels on the outside, but leaning upright against the schooner. A brass bell that has the words “bell foundry” lies in the bow to the port side near the windlass. The foremast is off the port bow and perpendicular to the boat.
For now, this “Belle” of a schooner will remain a secret in order to keep her time capsule of artifacts intact.
Belle Mitchel
Location: between Conneaut, Ohio and the base of Long Point Peninsula.
Coordinates: still secret
Official #: 2892
Lies: bow north Depth: 70 feet
Type:two masted schooner Cargo: wheat
Power: gaff rigged sails
Owner(s) A.F. Barker, Captain T.G. Rusho & Mrs. Lettie Grant of Clayton, New York
Built: 1874 by James Navagh at Algonac, Michigan
Dimensions: 136.7’ x 25.6’ x 11.4’ Tonnage:320 gross 304 net
Date of Loss: Thursday, October 14, 1886
Cause of Loss: storm
Coordinates: still secret
Official #: 2892
Lies: bow north Depth: 70 feet
Type:two masted schooner Cargo: wheat
Power: gaff rigged sails
Owner(s) A.F. Barker, Captain T.G. Rusho & Mrs. Lettie Grant of Clayton, New York
Built: 1874 by James Navagh at Algonac, Michigan
Dimensions: 136.7’ x 25.6’ x 11.4’ Tonnage:320 gross 304 net
Date of Loss: Thursday, October 14, 1886
Cause of Loss: storm
This wreck was discovered by Georgan and Mike Wachter
Additional information on the Belle Mitchel is on page 166 of Erie Wrecks & Lights.
Painting of Belle Mitchel shipwreck by Georgann Wachter