IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Monohansett, originally known as the IRA H. OWEN, was a wooden steam barge built in 1872 in Gibraltar, Michigan. Steam barges like the Monohansett were integral to the commerce of the Great Lakes, transporting a variety of cargo, including lumber, coal, and other goods, across the vast inland seas. These vessels were known for their durability and ability to navigate the often challenging waters of the Great Lakes, making them indispensable during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
HISTORY #
The Monohansett had a long and reliable service history on the Great Lakes, moving goods and occasionally passengers between ports. The vessel had been a familiar sight on the waters, earning a reputation for its sturdiness and dependability. However, the Monohansett’s career came to a tragic end on November 23, 1907, when it encountered disaster on Lake Huron.
While cruising southwest of Thunder Bay Island, a fire broke out on the vessel. The source of the fire remains unknown, but it quickly spread, turning the vessel into a scene of chaos. The crew of 12 fought desperately to extinguish the flames, but their efforts were in vain. The fire continued to grow in intensity, and the crew was forced to abandon ship.
Despite the dire circumstances, the crew managed to evacuate safely into lifeboats, preventing any loss of life. The Monohansett, however, was not as fortunate. As the fire raged on, the vessel began taking on water. Eventually, the combined forces of the fire and the inflow of water caused the Monohansett to sink, sending it to its final resting place at the bottom of Lake Huron.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Monohansett now lies on the lakebed of Lake Huron, southwest of Thunder Bay Island. The vessel was completely destroyed by the fire and subsequent sinking, leaving only a wreck behind. The exact location and depth of the wreck are not widely documented, but it remains a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the Monohansett wreck site. Divers interested in visiting the site should be aware of the general hazards associated with diving in the Great Lakes, including cold water, variable visibility, and potential underwater obstacles.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The Monohansett’s wreck location is known, but it is not clear when or by whom it was first discovered. The site is accessible to divers, particularly those interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- NOAA Great Lakes Wrecks
- Historical Newspapers Archive – Maritime Disasters
CONCLUSION #
The tragic fate of the Monohansett highlights the ever-present dangers of maritime travel on the Great Lakes, particularly in the early 20th century. The vessel’s destruction by fire, followed by its sinking, serves as a stark reminder of the hazards that ships and their crews faced on these inland seas. Today, the Monohansett’s wreck remains a site of historical significance, offering a glimpse into the perilous world of Great Lakes shipping and the resilience of those who navigated these waters.
KEYWORDS #
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #Monohansett #LakeHuron #GreatLakesShipwrecks #Diving #NauticalHistory #ThunderBayIsland #SteamBarge
