IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Wreck Location: Off Rotary Beach, Town of Goderich, Ontario, Lake Huron

Coordinates: Specific coordinates for each wreck are not provided, but they are located near Rotary Beach, Goderich, Ontario.

 Vessels Involved:

• Phillips
• Abercorn
• Scobia
• Olga
• Tecumseth
• Other unidentified vessels

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The shipwrecks off Rotary Beach represent a mix of schooners, steambarges, and small steamers, typical of the vessels that plied the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These ships were primarily engaged in transporting lumber, coal, grain, and other bulk commodities crucial to the region’s economic development.

The variety of ship types reflects Goderich’s importance as a major port on Lake Huron, serving as a hub for maritime trade. The presence of both sailing vessels and steam-powered ships showcases the technological transition that took place on the Great Lakes during this era, from wind-powered to steam-driven transportation.

HISTORY

Goderich, Ontario, has a rich maritime heritage, serving as a critical shipping port on Lake Huron throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its strategic location made it a central node for vessels transporting grain, lumber, coal, and other industrial goods. The port facilitated connections between Canadian and American markets, contributing significantly to the economic growth of Ontario and the broader Great Lakes region.

The vessels wrecked off Rotary Beach were all part of this bustling maritime activity. Their stories reflect the perils of lake navigation, including sudden storms, navigational hazards, and mechanical failures. Many of these wrecks occurred during the height of Goderich’s shipping industry, when the port was crowded with vessels competing to transport goods across the lakes.

VESSELS INVOLVED

• Phillips Limited information exists about this vessel, but it likely served in the grain or coal trade, typical cargoes for ships operating out of Goderich. Its wreck near Rotary Beach suggests it may have succumbed to a storm or navigational hazard in the area.
• Abercorn The Abercorn was a steambarge, a workhorse vessel type common on the Great Lakes. Built in the late 19th century, it was involved in the transport of bulk cargoes such as coal and lumber. The vessel experienced multiple incidents during its operational life, reflecting the hazardous conditions faced by steamboats of the era. The Abercorn ultimately caught fire and was destroyed near Goderich, ending its service.
• Scobia Details about the Scobia are scarce, but it is believed to have been a Schooner or steambarge involved in the coal or grain trade. Like many vessels in the region, it likely faced frequent storms and challenging navigation near Goderich.
• Olga. The Olga was likely a smaller Schooner or Steamer. It may have served in the regional transport of goods, such as lumber or agricultural products, essential to the local economy.
• Tecumseth Possibly named after the famed Indigenous leader Tecumseh, this vessel had historical significance and likely served in trading activities along the Great Lakes. Its loss near Goderich underscores the region’s role in Great Lakes commerce.
• Other Unidentified Vessels

The waters off Rotary Beach are known to hold several unidentified wrecks, representing the many ships that served the port of Goderich and the Great Lakes trade network. These vessels remain an important part of the area’s underwater archaeological record.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Each of these vessels met their end near Goderich, succumbing to factors such as violent storms, navigational errors, or mechanical failures. The wrecks now rest off Rotary Beach, contributing to the area’s rich underwater archaeological heritage. While the specific circumstances of each wreck vary, they collectively tell the story of the dangers of maritime trade on the Great Lakes.

LOCATED BY & DATE

Located By: Various divers and historians over time. Some wrecks have been identified by local diving clubs, while others were documented through historical research.

Date of Discovery: Ongoing discoveries, with some wrecks identified in the early 20th century and others more recently by underwater archaeologists and recreational divers.

NOTICES TO MARINERS (NOTMARs) & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) have been issued for these wreck sites.

Local advisories may exist for divers, particularly regarding Visibility and hazards due to boat traffic near Rotary Beach. Divers are encouraged to follow safe diving practices and consult with local authorities before exploring these wrecks.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library: Holds the collection of C. Patrick Labadie, which includes historical records on the Phillips and other vessels.
• Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Provides information on Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.
• Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley: Offers historical context for vessels like the Abercorn during the Steamboat era.

CONCLUSION

The wrecks located off Rotary Beach in Goderich, Ontario, are a testament to the town’s significant role in the maritime history of Lake Huron. These vessels, once vital to the regional economy, now rest on the lakebed, offering a window into the past for divers, historians, and maritime enthusiasts alike. The diverse types of ships and their varied cargoes reflect the bustling trade that once defined Goderich’s waterfront and contributed to the economic development of the Great Lakes region.

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