The Avon was a propeller vessel that met its unfortunate demise in 1869 due to a severe storm. Built in 1857 in Thurston, Kingston, Ontario, the Avon was a wooden bulk freight vessel with dimensions of 132 feet in length, 23 feet in beam, and 10 feet in depth. It had a tonnage of 307 and a capacity of over 3,500 barrels.
The Avon was originally owned by Hooker, Pudnam & Co., a company operating in the Montreal, Kingston, Toronto, and upper lakes region. It was primarily used for freighting and carried cargoes such as grain and flour.
On October 14, 1869, the Avon encountered a gale that caused it to spring a leak near Presque Isle, Michigan, in Lake Huron. In an attempt to save the vessel, it was beached near 40-Mile Point. However, the damage was significant, and the Avon required assistance.
The wrecking tug MAGNET was called upon and managed to raise the Avon on October 22. It was then towed toward Presque Isle but experienced further issues when a steam pump failed on October 23, causing the vessel to begin sinking again. The Avon was raised for a second time on October 28 but faced adverse weather conditions and was beached for a third time.
Unfortunately, the Avon was eventually abandoned and broke up during subsequent storms. Despite efforts to salvage the vessel, it disappeared entirely, with its wreckage scattered. Thankfully, there were no reported casualties in connection with the loss of the Avon.
It’s worth noting that the Avon had acquired the engine from the burned propeller TINTO, and a new propeller was launched from the Marine Railway Shipyard in Kingston on June 13, 1857. The Avon played a significant role in the freighting business, operating in the Great Lakes region until its fateful end in 1869.
