Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Addie B. was a small wooden schooner, primarily used for trading purposes. Schooners like the Addie B. were integral to the maritime economy of the Great Lakes during the 19th century, transporting goods such as produce, lumber, and other cargoes between ports. The vessel featured two masts and a single deck, typical of trading schooners of its era, designed to efficiently navigate the inland waterways of the Great Lakes.
History #
The Addie B. was a wooden trading schooner that played a vital role in the transport of goods across the Great Lakes. Though specific details about her construction and early career are scarce, it is known that she was actively involved in the trade routes of the region by the late 19th century.
On November 28, 1888, the Addie B. faced a catastrophic event while navigating the waters of Lake Huron. The schooner, belonging to AuSable, Michigan, stranded on a bar near Caseville, a small town located along Michigan’s eastern shoreline. The treacherous conditions and shallow waters in the area were a common hazard for vessels of that time.
The grounding of the Addie B. proved disastrous. The vessel broke in two, leading to a complete loss of the ship. Despite this, the crew managed to salvage most of the cargo, which consisted of various produce items. This partial recovery of the cargo was a small consolation, as the schooner itself was declared a total loss.
The incident was notable enough to be reported in the Port Huron Daily Times on December 3, 1888, reflecting the local and regional importance of maritime trade and the impact of such losses on the communities reliant on these vessels.
Final Disposition #
The Addie B. was deemed a total loss after breaking in two on a bar near Caseville, Michigan, in Lake Huron. While the cargo was largely salvaged, the vessel could not be saved, and it remains one of the many shipwrecks that underscore the perils of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: The wreck site has not been extensively documented, and there are no specific advisories or Notices to Mariners related to the wreck.
Located By & Date #
- Discovered: There is no specific record of a formal discovery or exploration of the Addie B. wreck. The details of the wreck are primarily known through historical newspaper accounts.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Ship Information
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Great Lakes Maritime History
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
Conclusion #
The story of the Addie B. highlights the risks faced by schooners and other trading vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Her loss near Caseville, Michigan, is a poignant reminder of the challenges of maritime trade in this region, where unpredictable weather, shallow waters, and navigational hazards often led to tragic outcomes. While the Addie B. herself may no longer sail, her story lives on as part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Keywords: #
- Addie B.
- Lake Huron Shipwrecks
- Great Lakes Maritime History
- Schooner Wrecks
- 19th Century Shipwrecks
- Caseville Michigan
