Shipwreck Report: Schooner SYRACUSE

Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: SYRACUSE
  • Year of Build: 1853
  • Construction Location: Oswego, NY
  • Vessel Type: Two-Masted Schooner
  • Hull Materials: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Builder Name: J.A. Baker
  • Original Owner: J.L. Hall & Co.
  • Final Location: Off 40 Mile Point, near Cheboygan, MI, Lake Huron
  • GPS Coordinates 45° 38.252′  N 084° 12.184′ W
  • Final Depth: 50 feet (15 meters)
  • Date of Loss: November 10, 1863
  • How Lost: Foundered
  • Final Cargo: Coal

Vessel Type Description

The SYRACUSE was a two-masted wooden Schooner measuring:

  • Length: 120 feet (36.6 meters)
  • Beam: 25 feet 3 inches (7.7 meters)
  • Depth: 10 feet 6 inches (3.2 meters)

Designed for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes, the vessel was versatile, handling a variety of goods, including coal and Railroad Iron. Schooners like the SYRACUSE were the backbone of Great Lakes commerce during the mid-19th century, serving a critical role in connecting industrial centers.

History

  • Launched on September 4, 1853, the SYRACUSE encountered its share of incidents during its operational life:
  • 1853: Shortly after launching, the Schooner ran aground at Point au Pelee, forcing the jettisoning of 200 tons of Railroad Iron to refloat the vessel. It was later repaired and returned to service.
  • 1854: Grounded again 15 miles east of Point au Pelee, requiring rescue operations.
  • 1861: Underwent significant repairs and was lengthened, improving its capacity and durability.
  • 1863: By its final year, the vessel was owned by Buckley & Finnegan of Milwaukee and employed in coal transport.

On November 10, 1863, the SYRACUSE was en route between Cheboygan and Hammond Bay on Lake Huron when it sprang a leak. The crew Abandoned ship, rowing safely to Cheboygan in a skiff. The vessel Foundered and sank near Nine Mile Point, resting in 50 feet (15 meters) of water.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the SYRACUSE lies off 40 Mile Point in Lake Huron, near Cheboygan, Michigan. Although accessible to divers, the site is not marked by buoys from organizations like the Straits Preserve or the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary. This lack of markers poses challenges for navigation and diving.

Dive Site Details

  • Depth: 50 feet (15 meters), accessible for recreational divers.
  • Condition: The wreck is likely intact but deteriorated due to age and natural underwater processes. Key features include the Schooner’s Hull structure and remnants of its Deck and rigging.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Obstructions: The wreck site is not buoy-marked, making it less navigable for boats and divers without prior knowledge of its location.

Advisory: Divers should exercise caution when exploring, as shifting currents and unmarked hazards may pose risks.

The SYRACUSE embodies the challenges faced by schooners navigating the volatile waters of the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Despite being a loss, the wreck serves as an underwater museum, offering insights into shipbuilding and commerce of the era. Its final journey underscores the unpredictable nature of maritime ventures during this period.

Resources & Links

3D Model – Syracuse

Syracuse by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The SYRACUSE is a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the risks of transporting vital cargo in the 19th century. While the vessel’s life ended prematurely in Lake Huron, its wreck continues to attract divers and historians, offering a glimpse into the bustling trade routes and challenges of the era.

Keywords

#SchoonerSYRACUSE #LakeHuronShipwrecks #GreatLakesHistory #19thCenturySchooners #CheboyganMI #StraitsPreserve #ThunderBayMarineSanctuary