Identification & Site Information

• Name: HURON
• Former Names: Unknown
• Official Number: C (unreported)
• Type at Loss: Unreported vessel type
• Date Built and Launched: Unknown
• Builder: Unknown
• Measurements: 25 tons
• Date Lost: October 1871
• Place of Loss: Eastern shore of Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
• Homeport: Saugeen, Ontario

Vessel Type

Unreported (possibly a small Schooner, sloop, or local trading vessel)

Description

The HURON was a small vessel of approximately 25 tons, operating out of Saugeen, Ontario. The specific type of vessel is unreported, but given the region and the era, it may have been a small Schooner, sloop, or trading vessel used for local transportation of goods and supplies within Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Vessels of this size were common for regional commerce, fishing, or ferrying passengers between nearby communities along the rugged Bruce Peninsula shoreline.

History

The HURON served in local trade or transportation around Georgian Bay, an area known for its treacherous waters and unpredictable weather. The eastern shore of the Bruce Peninsula, where the vessel met her fate, is characterized by rocky coastlines and limited shelter from storms, making it a hazardous route for mariners, especially in smaller vessels.

In October 1871, the HURON was stranded and lost on the eastern shore of the Bruce Peninsula during what is believed to be a storm. This period coincided with one of the most destructive storm seasons in Great Lakes history, including the infamous Peshtigo Fire Storm and widespread maritime disasters across the region. The exact details of the incident, including the nature of the storm, the crew size, and whether there was any loss of life, remain unreported.

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Final Disposition

Stranded and lost on the eastern shore of the Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay, in October 1871. The vessel was a Total Loss, but the loss of life, if any, is unknown.

Located By & Date Found

Nil—there are no confirmed reports of the HURON wreck being located, likely due to the vessel’s small size and the rugged nature of the Bruce Peninsula shoreline.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil—no current navigational advisories related to the HURON wreck site along the eastern shore of the Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay.

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Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

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Conclusion

The loss of the HURON in October 1871 is indicative of the dangers faced by small vessels navigating the rugged eastern shore of the Bruce Peninsula. With limited details about the vessel’s construction, cargo, or crew, the HURON‘s story remains one of the many unreported or under-documented maritime incidents on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. However, the timing of the loss—during one of the most destructive storm seasons in Great Lakes history—suggests that the vessel fell victim to the unpredictable and violent weather conditions that frequently plagued the region.

While the exact wreck site remains undiscovered, the HURON‘s story contributes to the rich maritime history of the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay, an area known for its shipwrecks and the resilience of local mariners.

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Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: HURON shipwreck Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay small vessel loss, Saugeen Ontario maritime history, Lake Huron storm shipwreck, unreported shipwrecks Lake Huron
• Categories: Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Small Vessel Shipwrecks, Storm-Related Shipwrecks, Georgian Bay Maritime History, 19th Century Maritime Disasters
• Glossary Terms:
• Stranded: A maritime term referring to a vessel that has run aground and is unable to refloat, often leading to structural damage or Total Loss.
• Bruce Peninsula: A rugged landform separating Georgian Bay from the rest of Lake Huron, known for its rocky shores and hazardous navigation.
• Georgian Bay: A large bay of Lake Huron noted for its numerous shipwrecks, beautiful yet treacherous waters, and rich maritime heritage.