Shipwreck Report: Schooner-Barge Thomas H. Cahoon

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Thomas H. Cahoon

•Type: Schooner-Barge

•Year Built: 1881

•Builder: T. Arnold, East Saginaw, Michigan

•Dimensions:

•Length: 166 feet (50.6 meters)

•Beam: 31 feet (9.4 meters)

•Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 437 tons

•Net: 410 tons

•Final Location: Kenny Shoal, North Channel, Lake Huron

•Coordinates: N 46° 05.067’, W 082° 12.208’

•Depth of Wreck: 25 feet (8 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Thomas H. Cahoon was a wooden Schooner-Barge, a vessel type commonly used in the Great Lakes region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These barges, often towed by steamers, were designed for bulk cargo transport, particularly lumber. The Thomas H. Cahoon featured three masts and had a single Deck, optimized for carrying up to 600,000 board feet of lumber.

History

Built in 1881 by T. Arnold in East Saginaw, Michigan, the Thomas H. Cahoon was owned by L.P. Mason & Co. and quickly became integral to the lumber trade. With its significant cargo capacity, the Schooner-Barge carried lumber across the Great Lakes, supporting the burgeoning construction industry in the region.

Notable Incidents

•1892 Gale: The Thomas H. Cahoon lost a Deck cargo of 2,000 board feet of lumber off Sauble Point, Lake Michigan.

•1898 Collision: The Schooner-Barge collided with Whaleback Barge #137, causing it to sink in Lake St. Clair while carrying coal. The vessel was later salvaged.

•Ownership Transfers: Over its lifetime, the vessel changed hands several times, including transfer to Canadian ownership by the Midland Transportation Co., Ltd., in 1913.

Final Voyage

On October 11, 1913, while navigating Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, the Thomas H. Cahoon wrecked on Kenney Shoal near Innes Island. The Schooner-Barge, carrying a heavy load of 800,000 board feet of lumber, broke apart in severe seas. The cargo was lost, and the ship was declared a Total Loss.

The wreck of the Thomas H. Cahoon remained undiscovered until 1975, when it was located on Kenney Shoal.

Final Disposition

•Cause of Wreck: Heavy seas and storm conditions.

•Cargo at Loss: 800,000 board feet of lumber.

•Current Condition: The wreck lies in shallow water, mostly broken up but recognizable. It provides a fascinating dive site, showcasing remnants of its cargo and structure.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Thomas H. Cahoon. The site is marked and well-known among divers and historians.

Located By & Date

•Discovery: The wreck was located in 1975 during underwater surveys of Kenney Shoal in the North Channel, Lake Huron.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is in shallow waters, resting at a depth of approximately 25 feet (8 meters), making it accessible for recreational divers. The structure is heavily deteriorated, but sections of the Hull and remnants of its cargo remain visible.

Diving Notes

•Conditions: Generally clear Visibility due to shallow depth; however, currents and weather can affect dive conditions.

•Safety: The site is ideal for novice to intermediate divers, given its shallow depth and accessibility.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File

3.Great Lakes Ships Database

Conclusion

The wreck of the Thomas H. Cahoon stands as a testament to the rugged conditions and vital commerce of the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its final resting place near Kenney Shoal, along with the remains of its cargo, provides a unique window into the history of the Great Lakes lumber trade. For divers and historians, the site offers a blend of maritime heritage and exploration.

Keywords

•Thomas H. Cahoon

•Schooner-Barge

•Great Lakes Shipwreck

•Kenney Shoal

•Lake Huron

•Lumber Trade

•Georgian Bay Wreck

•Historical Diving Sites