Wreck Report: Schooner SWEETHEART

Identification & Site Information

•Name: SWEETHEART

•Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner

•U.S. Registration Number: 22397

•Year Built: 1867

•Place Built: Detroit, Michigan

•Dimensions:

•Length: 175 feet (53.3 meters)

•Beam: 32 feet (9.8 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 538.97 tons

•Final Location: St. Clair River, near the mouth of Lake Huron and later near Algonac, Michigan

Vessel Type Description

The SWEETHEART was a classic wooden Schooner built for transporting bulk cargoes on the Great Lakes. Like many schooners of its time, it was designed for durability and cargo capacity, efficiently moving goods across vast waterways. Its robust construction and large tonnage made it a key player in the regional shipping industry during the late 19th century.

History

The SWEETHEART, launched in 1867, had a noteworthy career before its untimely sinking. By 1881, the Schooner was actively operating on the Great Lakes when it met its fate near the mouth of the St. Clair River, sinking in Lake Huron. The wreck obstructed navigation in this vital waterway, creating significant hazards for passing vessels.

The Challenges of Raising the Wreck

The SWEETHEART’s position as a sunken hazard prompted calls for its removal. However, concerns over the expense and risk deterred its owners from immediate action. Attempts to raise the vessel initially failed, as the wreck contained over 300 tons of ore, which added to its weight and caused chains to part during salvage operations.

To mitigate the danger, a makeshift Lightship was installed above the wreck using an old Hull. This innovative solution helped alert passing vessels and simultaneously generated income through maintenance fees levied on shipowners.

Salvage and Repairs

In 1881, the Port Huron Wrecking Company successfully took on the task of raising the SWEETHEART. Using advanced techniques for the time, they managed to bring the vessel closer to the American side of the river. Once the decks were above water, the Schooner was patched, pumped out, and taken to dry-dock for repairs. The discovery of its ore cargo highlighted the significant obstacles faced during initial salvage attempts.

Final Disposition

By 1913, the SWEETHEART remained a concern, with remnants still near the coal docks at Algonac, Michigan. The U.S. War Department contracted the Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. for $2,250 to remove the wreckage completely, ensuring safe navigation in the area.

Recent Developments

The story of the SWEETHEART reflects the ingenuity and determination of Great Lakes mariners and salvage teams. From makeshift solutions like the Lightship to the eventual removal of the wreck, the Schooner’s tale is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of early maritime recovery efforts.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Database: Great Lakes Ships

Tags

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

•St. Clair River

•Schooner SWEETHEART

•Maritime Salvage

•19th-Century Shipwrecks

•Lake Huron Navigation

Conclusion

The Schooner SWEETHEART’s sinking and eventual salvage reflect the complexities of managing maritime hazards in the Great Lakes. From its initial loss in 1881 to the final removal efforts in 1913, the story of the SWEETHEART highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of maritime communities. It serves as a vivid reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated—and managed—the bustling shipping lanes of the Great Lakes.