Named after the wife of Canada’s Governor General, the Lady Elgin was built in Buffalo, New York, in 1851. An imposing sight at 252 feet long, she was one of the most elegantly appointed sidewheel passenger ships of her era. Catering to the rich and famous, the ship served faithfully for nearly a decade despite being damaged and repaired multiple times throughout her career.
Her final voyage took place on September 8, 1860. That night, she was rammed on the port side by the schooner Augusta, leaving a massive hole below the waterline. Within 20 minutes, the Lady Elgin broke apart and sank. Despite heroic rescue efforts by the captain and crew, over 300 lives were lost in the tragedy.
The wreck was rediscovered in 1989 by Harry Zych, who was awarded ownership of the site after a lengthy legal battle. Because it is privately owned, permission must be obtained prior to diving. Sitting in 55 feet of water, the Lady Elgin offers a moving experience for intermediate divers to explore and reflect on her dramatic history. We visit this historic wreck from Winthrop Harbor.
