Identification & Site Information
•Wreck Name: ARCTURAS (also known as ARCTURA)
•Vessel Type: Wooden Barge (originally built as a Schooner)
•Date of Construction: 1853
•Builder: B. Jones (or F.D. Ketchum), Huron, Ohio
•Original Owners: Not specified
•Dimensions:
•Length: 140 feet (42.7 meters)
•Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)
•Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)
•Tonnage: 300 gross tons, 291 net tons
•Final Disposition: Sank on August 19, 1888, in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
•Location: Approximately 20 miles north of Point Aux Barques, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
Vessel Type Description
The ARCTURAS was originally built as a Schooner, a common design in the mid-19th century with multiple masts and efficient sail configurations. In its later years, the vessel was converted into a Barge, reflecting the changing demands of maritime trade. As a Barge, it was towed by steam-powered vessels and specialized in bulk cargo transport, including coal and sand. This Conversion symbolized the shift toward industrialization and more efficient shipping practices on the Great Lakes.
History
Construction and Early Service
The ARCTURAS was launched in 1853 in Huron, Ohio, at a time when schooners dominated Great Lakes shipping. For over three decades, the vessel transported various goods, adapting to the evolving needs of the shipping industry.
Significant Incidents
•1868 Collision: Speculated involvement in a collision off Long Point, Lake Erie. The vessel was recovered later that year.
•1880 Alpena Storm Damage: Sustained significant damage during the infamous “Alpena Storm,” requiring major repairs in 1881.
•Unverified Locomotive Story: Anecdotal accounts suggest that during a spring gale in 1853, the crew may have jettisoned a locomotive overboard in Lake Michigan to stabilize the vessel—a story steeped in mystery.
Final Voyage
On August 19, 1888, the ARCTURAS was under tow by the Tug BRADY, carrying 275 tons of sand. At approximately 2:00 AM, the Barge began taking on water. The leak worsened rapidly, and despite the crew’s efforts, the vessel sank about 20 miles north of Point Aux Barques in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Fortunately, all crew members escaped to safety.
Final Disposition
The ARCTURAS rests on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Saginaw Bay, its legacy preserved in the annals of maritime history. While its exact wreck site has not been widely documented or explored, it remains a part of the underwater heritage of Lake Huron.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The precise condition and accessibility of the ARCTURAS wreck are not well-documented. Divers interested in exploring the site should be prepared for the challenging conditions typical of Saginaw Bay, including potential low Visibility and shifting sediments.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the ARCTURAS wreck site. Mariners and divers should remain vigilant when navigating or exploring this area due to general underwater hazards.
Resources & Links
1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Records and Insights
2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck database.
Conclusion
The story of the ARCTURAS captures the resilience and adaptability of 19th-century vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. From its beginnings as a Schooner to its later life as a Barge, the vessel endured storms, collisions, and the challenges of evolving trade demands. Its final sinking in Saginaw Bay reflects the risks and hardships faced by mariners during this era. The ARCTURAS’s history, including its legendary locomotive tale, adds to the rich maritime legacy of Lake Huron.
Keywords
•ARCTURAS
•Great Lakes Shipwreck
•Saginaw Bay
•19th Century Maritime History
•Barge Transport
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