IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Monarch was a wooden barkentine, a type of sailing vessel with three or more masts, typically square-rigged on the foremast and fore-and-aft rigged on the remaining masts. Barkentines were commonly used during the 19th century for carrying bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes. The Monarch was built with a length of 135 feet, a beam of 24 feet, and a depth of 10.8 feet, making it a relatively large vessel for its time.
HISTORY #
The Monarch was built in Oakville, Ontario, in 1863 by shipbuilder John Simpson. Originally registered in Canada, the vessel was sold to an American owner in Oswego, New York, in 1868, and later registered in Buffalo, New York. The Monarch primarily carried bulk cargoes such as coal, grain, and iron ore across the Great Lakes.
During its operational years, the vessel underwent repairs, including the replacement of the foreyard in 1869 and new decks in 1871. By 1874, the Monarch was owned by E. Workman of Detroit, Michigan.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
On September 21, 1874, the Monarch was en route northward toward DeTour Passage with a cargo of coal when it ran aground on Crab Island Shoal, located at the southwest corner of Drummond Island in Lake Huron. The vessel was quickly declared a total loss. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among the crew.
The wreck of the Monarch lies in 30 to 40 feet of water, with the hull broken at the bilge line and splayed open into three main sections. The deck, rigging, and machinery were likely salvaged or lost during the wreck, and the site is now littered with coal and small artifacts. Unique features of the wreck include the visible double centerboard trunks and the hogging arch, which unusually arches downward.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was located just north of the western end of Crab Island Shoal in Lake Huron. The exact coordinates of the wreck are Latitude 45° 57.653′ N and Longitude 83° 53.0021′ W. The wreck site has been explored by divers, and its condition has been documented, though the wreck’s identity as the Monarch has long been known due to historical records.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Mariners operating near Crab Island Shoal should exercise caution due to the presence of the Monarch wreck. The shallow depth of the site (30-40 feet) makes it accessible for diving, but also a potential hazard for vessels with deeper drafts. Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) may provide additional guidance for safe navigation in the area.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Complete Historic Information: Great Lakes Ships Database
- Additional Information: Visit Drummond Island – Barque Monarch
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- 3D Shipwrecks – Monarch Barkentine: 3D Shipwrecks Monarch Barkentine
- Sketchfab 3D Model – Monarch Barkentine: Monarch Barkentine on Sketchfab
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the Monarch is a well-documented site in Lake Huron, reflecting the challenges of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century. Its final resting place near Crab Island Shoal serves as a reminder of the perilous conditions faced by mariners. The site is of historical interest, particularly due to its unique construction features and the artifacts that remain on the lakebed.
KEYWORDS #
- Monarch shipwreck
- Lake Huron wreck
- Barkentine wreck
- Wooden shipwreck
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Navigation hazard
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The wreck is located at Latitude 45° 57.653′ N, Longitude 83° 53.0021′ W, submerged at a depth of 30 to 40 feet in Lake Huron. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating or exploring this area, and should refer to the latest survey data and NOTMARs for safe passage and accurate positioning.
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