Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The ARCTURAS, originally built as a schooner, was a versatile vessel adapted to the demanding conditions of the Great Lakes. Schooners were common cargo vessels of the 19th century, known for their multiple masts and efficient sail configurations. The ARCTURAS, later converted into a barge, continued its service transporting bulk goods such as coal and sand. Its conversion to a barge was likely driven by the evolving demands of the shipping industry, where the vessel was towed rather than sailed, reflecting a shift towards more efficient cargo movement.
History #
The ARCTURAS, built in 1853 in Huron, Ohio, by B. Jones (or F.D. Ketchum), had a storied and eventful history. Initially launched as a schooner, the vessel was later converted into a barge, primarily used for hauling coal across the Great Lakes. At the time of its sinking, the ARCTURAS was owned by A.A. Pinet of East Saginaw, Michigan, and was under the command of Captain John Price.
The vessel’s career was marked by several significant incidents. In 1881, the ARCTURAS underwent major repairs after sustaining damage during the “Alpena Storm” in October 1880, a storm notorious for causing widespread destruction across the Great Lakes. The ARCTURAS also faced challenges in 1868, when it was speculated to have been involved in a collision off Long Point, Lake Erie, before being recovered later that year.
One particularly intriguing anecdote from the vessel’s history suggests that during a spring gale in 1853, the crew of the ARCTURAS may have jettisoned a locomotive overboard in Lake Michigan to stabilize the vessel and prevent capsizing. This story, while unverified, adds a layer of mystery and drama to the vessel’s legacy.
The ARCTURAS met its final fate on August 19, 1888, while under tow by the tug BRADY. Carrying 275 tons of sand, the barge sprang a leak at approximately 2:00 AM and subsequently sank 20 miles north of Point Aux Barques in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Despite the loss of the vessel, the crew was able to escape to safety.
Final Disposition #
The ARCTURAS now rests on the bottom of Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron, its exact location being approximately 20 miles north of Point Aux Barques. The sinking marked the end of a vessel that had served the Great Lakes for over three decades, navigating through numerous challenges and harsh conditions.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the ARCTURAS wreck site. Divers interested in exploring the site should be aware of the general conditions of Saginaw Bay and exercise caution.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck site of the ARCTURAS has not been widely documented or explored, with no specific modern discovery records available.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
Conclusion #
The ARCTURAS represents a typical yet fascinating example of the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels navigating the Great Lakes. From its beginnings as a schooner to its later life as a barge, the vessel’s history is marked by resilience and adaptation. Its final sinking in Saginaw Bay adds to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the Great Lakes, offering a glimpse into the perils and adventures of the era.
Keywords: #
- Arcturas
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Saginaw Bay
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Lake Huron
- Schooner to Barge Conversion
The ARCTURAS’s legacy lives on in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history, reminding us of the constant struggle between man and nature on these vast inland seas.
