IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The ARK was a scow-schooner, a wooden vessel reinforced with iron strapping and rigged with three masts. Built in 1875, the ARK was a robust vessel designed for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. Scow-schooners were known for their wide, flat-bottomed hulls, which allowed them to carry heavy loads and navigate shallow waters.
HISTORY
The ARK was constructed in 1875 by A. Muir in Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Measuring 177 feet in length, 36 feet in beam, and 10 feet in depth, it was a significant vessel with a tonnage of 512 tons. The ARK was owned by A. Muir & Bros., also based in Port Dalhousie.
On October 3, 1887, during a severe storm, the ARK ran aground near Grindstone City, Michigan, close to Pointe Aux Barques on Lake Huron. The vessel was under tow by the steamer ALBION when the storm struck. The ARK sustained heavy damage in the grounding, forcing the crew to abandon ship. Despite being initially released with minimal damage, the ARK would soon face further misfortune.
Just a few weeks later, on October 24, 1887, the ARK was again caught in a storm, this time near Port Colborne. While being towed by the steambarge ENTERPRISE, the ARK encountered gale-force winds that severely hampered the ENTERPRISE’s ability to control the tow. As the storm worsened, the ENTERPRISE’s smokestack was carried away, and the steambarge had to turn back to Port Colborne. The crew of the ENTERPRISE was forced to cut the towline, leaving the ARK to drift uncontrollably. The ARK dragged its anchor and eventually went ashore east of the piers, becoming a total loss.
Despite the two groundings, there were no reported casualties among the ARK’s crew. The vessel remained stranded on the beach at Port Colborne until November 24, 1887, when it was reported that efforts were underway to release it. However, the damage sustained during the storm proved too great, and the ARK was declared a total loss.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the ARK’s wreck sites. Divers and search teams should consult with local authorities and maritime organizations before conducting explorations.
LOCATED BY & DATE
- Discovery: The ARK’s wreck near Port Colborne has not been a major focus of underwater exploration. Historical records indicate its final location but exact coordinates have not been established.
RESOURCES & LINKS
KEYWORDS
ARK, Scow-Schooner, Lake Huron, Port Colborne, Grindstone City, Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipwrecks
CONCLUSION
The ARK’s history is a vivid illustration of the dangers faced by Great Lakes vessels in the late 19th century. Despite its robust construction, the ARK could not withstand the powerful storms that frequently swept across Lake Huron. Twice in a single month, the ARK was battered by gales, leading to its abandonment and eventual total loss. While the vessel’s story may be largely forgotten, it remains a poignant reminder of the perils that mariners faced on the Great Lakes, where the forces of nature could quickly turn the fate of even the most resilient ships.
