IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Venus was a wooden-hulled schooner constructed in 1872, built to navigate the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Venus were workhorses of the 19th century, designed for the transportation of heavy bulk cargoes, such as coal, grain, and stone. With a gross tonnage of 221 tons, the Venus was moderately sized for its time, capable of handling substantial loads while maintaining the agility needed to sail the often unpredictable Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The Venus was launched in 1872 and quickly became an integral part of the maritime trade on the Great Lakes, with its home port in Caseville, Michigan. Owned by Stone, the vessel was classified as A 2, denoting its reliability and fitness for the harsh conditions of lake navigation.
On October 4, 1887, the Venus set sail with a cargo of grindstones from Grindstone Island, destined for Milwaukee. Unfortunately, while crossing Lake Huron, the vessel encountered a violent storm. Despite the crew’s best efforts to weather the storm, the Venus began taking on water and ultimately foundered. Tragically, the schooner and all hands aboard were lost.
Initially, the identity of the sunken vessel was uncertain. Marine insurance representatives speculated that it might be the Venus, but this was not confirmed until later when it was ascertained that the schooner seen foundering off Thunder Bay was indeed the Venus. The loss included Captain James Thompson, Mate Peter Nelson, John Nelson (the mate’s brother), Anton Blerk (crew member), and an unidentified cook.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the Venus was confirmed after the vessel was observed foundering off Thunder Bay. Sadly, no survivors were found, and all crew members perished in the disaster. The vessel’s cargo of grindstones, along with the ship itself, was a total loss.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Venus has not been precisely located, but it is believed to lie somewhere off Thunder Bay in Lake Huron, where it sank during the storm on October 4, 1887.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
While specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Venus have not been detailed, it is likely that the wreck site was marked as a potential navigational hazard, particularly if parts of the vessel remained above or near the waterline immediately following the sinking.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- NOAA Office of Coast Survey Wrecks and Obstructions Database: NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Check 3D Shipwrecks for potential 3D models or additional data.
- Great Lakes Maritime Database: Great Lakes Ships
CONCLUSION #
The sinking of the Venus is a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by 19th-century sailors on the Great Lakes. Despite the vessel’s robust design and the crew’s experience, they were no match for the storm that claimed their lives. The loss of the Venus and her crew underscores the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of lake navigation during this period.
KEYWORDS #
- Venus schooner shipwreck
- Lake Huron maritime disaster
- Thunder Bay shipwrecks
- Great Lakes schooner history
- Grindstone Island vessel loss
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION #
This entry provides a comprehensive overview of the Venus, its history, and its tragic end. Continued research and monitoring of new information and resources are essential to paint a complete picture of this wreck and its significance within the broader context of Great Lakes maritime history.
