Identification & Site Information
- Vessel Name: MONARCH
- Type: Barque
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: John Simpson, Oakville, Ontario
- Dimensions:
- Length: 135 feet (40 meters)
- Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters)
- Hull Depth: 10.8 feet (3.3 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 315 tons
- Final Location: DeTour Passage, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: N45 57.653, W83 53.0021
- Depth: 30–40 feet (9–12 meters)
Vessel Type Description
The MONARCH was a three-masted Barque, a type of sailing vessel commonly used for transporting bulk cargo during the 19th century. Known for their versatility and capacity, barques like the MONARCH were an essential part of the Great Lakes shipping fleet. Built of sturdy oak and meticulously crafted, the MONARCH was designed for durability and efficiency in carrying commodities such as coal, grain, and iron ore.
History
Construction and Early Years
Built in 1862 by shipbuilder John Simpson in Oakville, Ontario, the MONARCH quickly became a symbol of maritime craftsmanship and a key contributor to the bustling trade on the Great Lakes. Under the Canadian flag, the vessel transported vital cargoes between ports, supporting the region’s growing industrial and agricultural economies.
Change of Ownership
In 1868, the MONARCH was sold to an American owner in Oswego, New York, marking a new chapter in her career. Registered in Buffalo, NY, she continued her service as a reliable workhorse on the lakes, carrying bulk cargo and navigating challenging waters.
Final Voyage and Tragic End
The MONARCH’s journey came to an abrupt end on September 21, 1874. Laden with coal, the vessel encountered disaster while navigating the treacherous waters of DeTour Passage, running aground on Crab Island Shoal, southwest of Drummond Island. Declared a Total Loss, the MONARCH was Abandoned where she struck, marking the end of her maritime career.
Final Disposition
The remains of the MONARCH lie broken and scattered in 30 to 40 feet of water, north of the western end of Crab Island Shoal. The Hull, fractured at the Bilge line, is split into three main sections. Much of the Deck, rigging, and machinery were salvaged or lost over time, leaving behind a hauntingly bare wreckage. Coal, the cargo from her final voyage, still litters the lakebed, serving as a poignant marker of the vessel’s purpose and loss.
Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the MONARCH. Divers and explorers should exercise caution when navigating the shallow waters near Crab Island Shoal.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The MONARCH rests in relatively shallow waters, making it accessible to divers of moderate skill levels. While the wreck has deteriorated over time, its remains still offer a captivating site for exploration. The coal-strewn lakebed and scattered artifacts provide a tangible connection to the vessel’s history and its tragic final voyage.
Resources & Links
- Visit Drummond Island: Visit Drummond Island
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakesn
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of shipwrecks across the Great Lakes.
- 3DShipwrecks – Monarch
Tags# MONARCH Shipwreck #Barque #Lake Huron Shipwrecks #Drummond Island #Crab Island Shoal #Great Lakes Maritime History
Analysis
The story of the Barque MONARCH captures the perilous nature of 19th-century shipping on the Great Lakes. Constructed with care and designed for endurance, the vessel served both Canadian and American interests before meeting its untimely end. The tragedy of the MONARCH’s loss on Crab Island Shoal serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and the unforgiving nature of lake navigation during that era. Today, the wreck provides a glimpse into the past, preserving the legacy of those who braved the Great Lakes’ waters.