Wreck Report: Schooner PORTLAND

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: PORTLAND
• Type: Schooner
• Built: 1856
• Gross Tonnage: 345.29 tons
• Final Disposition: Total Loss due to grounding and abandonment.
• GPS Coordinates N45°14.859’ W83°24.448’
• Location: Near Presque Isle, Lake Huron
• •Date of Incident: October 1877

Vessel Type Description

The PORTLAND was a wooden-hulled Schooner, a common type of sailing vessel used on the Great Lakes during the mid-to-late 19th century. Designed for transporting bulk goods, schooners like the PORTLAND were built to navigate the often unpredictable weather of the Great Lakes, though they were vulnerable to the fierce gales that plagued the region.

History

The Schooner PORTLAND, constructed in 1856, served on the Great Lakes for over two decades. On a fateful day in October 1877, the vessel was caught in a severe gale on Lake Huron, forcing it aground near Presque Isle. Despite efforts to save the ship, including salvage attempts using the wrecking Tug PRINDEVILLE and the Lighter D. PROVOST, the vessel could not be recovered. Both the Tug and Lighter themselves succumbed to the storm and went ashore.

The wrecking Tug PRINDEVILLE was deemed likely to be a Total Loss, while the Lighter D. PROVOST suffered unknown levels of damage. The PORTLAND, battered by the relentless storm, was Abandoned as a Total Loss. However, the Schooner NELLIE GARDNER later salvaged the anchor and chain from the wreck of the PORTLAND, recovering some value from the disaster.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 1877
• Cause: Grounded during a heavy gale
• Outcome: Declared a Total Loss and Abandoned after unsuccessful salvage attempts.

The PORTLAND was left to deteriorate, its remains contributing to the legacy of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the PORTLAND, as the vessel was declared a loss in the late 19th century and is not known to pose a navigational hazard today.

Located By & Date

The specific location of the wreck remains general, near Presque Isle on Lake Huron. The NELLIE GARDNER salvaged the anchor and chain soon after the loss, but no significant surveys or discoveries have been documented regarding the wreck’s remains.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the age of the wreck and the abandonment of the PORTLAND shortly after its loss, the remains are likely heavily deteriorated. No specific diving or archaeological exploration of the wreck has been recorded, making the current state and exact location of the site unclear.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository for historical data on Great Lakes vessels.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: For additional details on the wreck and related incidents.
• 3DShipwrecks – Portland

9. Conclusion

The wreck of the Schooner PORTLAND near Presque Isle, Lake Huron, is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of sailing vessels to the treacherous gales of the Great Lakes. Despite the heroic efforts of salvage crews, the storm claimed not only the PORTLAND but also the wrecking Tug PRINDEVILLE and the Lighter D. PROVOST. The recovery of the anchor and chain by the NELLIE GARDNER marks the final chapter in the Schooner’s story, leaving the wreck to rest as part of the lake’s storied maritime heritage.

Tags

#Schooner #PORTLAND #Lake Huron Shipwreck #Presque Isle Wrecks #19th Century Maritime Disasters #Great Lakes Storms #Shipwreck History

3D Model – Portland

Portland by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Portland Shipwreck_1080p60 by Katie Clevenger on Sketchfab