Title: The Resilience and Salvage of Schooner SWEETHEART: A Tale of Sunken Wrecks and Recovery
Introduction:
The schooner SWEETHEART, once a proud vessel plying the Great Lakes, met a series of misfortunes that led to its sinking in the St. Clair River. This article recounts the events surrounding the SWEETHEART’s sinking, its subsequent removal attempts, and the resilient efforts to salvage the vessel from its watery grave.
The Sinking of the SWEETHEART:
Built in 1867 in Detroit, the SWEETHEART had a noteworthy career as a wooden schooner. Operating under U.S. registration number 22397, the vessel measured 175 feet in length, with a beam of 32 feet, and was of 538.97 gross tons. However, in 1881, tragedy struck when the SWEETHEART sank in Lake Huron, near the mouth of the St. Clair River.
The Challenges of Raising a Sunken Wreck:
After the sinking, the wreck posed a constant peril to navigation, lying in a position that hindered the safe passage of vessels. The vessel’s owners hesitated to raise it, fearing the risk and expense would outweigh the value of the recovered craft. Previous cases of government assistance in similar situations had been met with dissatisfaction, leaving the wreck untouched.
A Unique Solution:
With the SWEETHEART continuing to obstruct navigation, enterprising individuals decided to take matters into their own hands. They purchased an old hull, positioned it above the sunken schooner, and used it as a makeshift lightship to alert passing vessels of the danger. By levying tribute on vessel-owners for the lightship’s maintenance, they turned a public service into a profitable venture.
Salvaging and Repairs:
In 1881, the Port Huron Wrecking Company took on the formidable task of raising the sunken SWEETHEART. After some difficulties, they successfully towed the vessel closer to the American side of the river. Surprisingly, they discovered over 300 tons of ore still on board, which contributed to the parting of chains during previous salvage attempts. With the decks above water, the SWEETHEART was patched up, pumped out, and taken to dry-dock for repairs.
Recent Developments:
In 1913, the war department took on the responsibility of removing the SWEETHEART from its resting place near the coal docks at Algonac. Only one bid was received, and the Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. was awarded the task for $2,250.
Conclusion:
The tale of the schooner SWEETHEART showcases the challenges and ingenuity involved in dealing with sunken wrecks on the Great Lakes. From the vessel’s sinking in 1881 to the recent efforts to remove it in 1913, the SWEETHEART’s story is one of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the resilience of those who ply the waters of the Great Lakes.
