- Barque
- 135ft 40m Lengths
- 40ffw 17m Depths
- Detour Passage, Lake Huron
- 45º 57.653’ North
83º 53.0021’ West
History
With a history shrouded in mystery, the Barque MONARCH stands as a silent witness to the perilous journeys undertaken by vessels navigating the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1862 by John Simpson at Oakville, Ontario, the MONARCH was a majestic vessel designed to carry bulk cargo, ranging from coal and grain to iron ore. Measuring 135 feet in length, with a beam of 24 feet and a hull depth of 10.8 feet, the barque boasted a gross tonnage of 315 tons.
For six years, the MONARCH proudly sailed under the Canadian flag, carrying her precious cargoes across the vast waters of the Great Lakes. However, fate had other plans, and in 1868, the vessel found herself under new ownership, now registered to an American owner in Oswego, NY. The barque’s final home port became Buffalo, NY, where her destiny would soon be sealed.
The final chapter in the MONARCH’s maritime journey unfolded on a fateful day, September 21, 1874. Laden with a valuable cargo of coal, the barque embarked on her last voyage, sailing northward toward DeTour Passage. As she navigated the treacherous waters, disaster struck when she ran aground on Crab Island Shoal, nestled at the southwest corner of Drummond Island. In an instant, the MONARCH’s fate was sealed, and she was swiftly declared a total loss.
Today, the remains of the MONARCH rest in solemn silence, lying in 30 to 40 feet of water just north of the western end of Crab Island Shoal. The once-proud hull of the barque now lies broken at the bilge line, splayed open into three main sections. The deck, rigging, and machinery, once integral to her sailing prowess, have vanished, likely removed during attempts at salvage. The wreckage of the MONARCH now serves as an eerie reminder of the dangers faced by sailors on the unforgiving Great Lakes.
Divers who venture to explore the MONARCH’s resting place will encounter a scene of both awe and melancholy. The bottom of the lake is strewn with coal, a poignant reminder of the precious cargo she carried on her final journey. Amidst the broken hull and scattered debris, a few small artifacts remain, offering glimpses of a bygone era.
As we delve into the intriguing maritime history of the Great Lakes, the story of the Barque MONARCH remains shrouded in mystery. Her final voyage, marked by tragedy and loss, serves as a testament to the brave sailors who traversed these tumultuous waters, and the MONARCH now lies peacefully, her legacy preserved beneath the waves for generations to come.
