Other Names #
- MARY BRECK
Site Description #
- Schooner
- 127ft 40m Scattered
- 0 – 90ffw 30m Depth
- Bear Rump Island, Tobermory, ON Lake Huron
History #
The Marion L. Breck, also known as Mary Breck, was a schooner built in 1858 by Calvin & Breck at Garden Island, Ontario. It had the official number C? and was made of wood. The vessel had two masts and measured 127 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and 12 feet in depth. It had a tonnage of 298.
The Marion L. Breck met its demise on October 7, 1907, when it ran aground and wrecked on Bear’s Rump Shoal near Tobermory, Ontario, in Lake Huron. Fortunately, there was no loss of life during the incident. The ship was carrying brick pieces at the time of the accident.
Throughout its history, the Marion L. Breck experienced several notable events. In the fall of 1888, it went ashore in Georgian Bay but was recovered the following May. It was believed to be a total loss after wrecking near Sand Beach, Michigan, in 1894. During the winter of 1895-1896, the ship was trapped in ice near Tawas City, Michigan. It also ran ashore near Tobermory in mid-October 1900.
The vessel underwent major repairs in 1873, 1876, and 1889. In 1863, it was rebuilt by Henry Rooney at Garden Island, incorporating the hull of the schooner William Penn, which was built in 1840. The original owners of the Marion L. Breck were Calvin & Breck of Garden Island.
The final location of the Marion L. Breck was Bear’s Rump Island shoal near Tobermory in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The ship grounded and wrecked on October 7, 1907, while carrying brick cargo. The crew managed to escape, and the vessel was owned by John McGibbon at the time of its loss.
The Dive #
F those with intermediate diving skills and an interest in exploring historical wrecks, it can offer a unique experience. The wreck provides an opportunity to discover the remnants of a wooden schooner that broke up after hitting the rocks in October 1900.
Divers can expect to encounter a mix of shallow and deeper water sections while exploring the Marion L. Breck wreck. The shallower areas may have scattered wreckage, while the main portion of the wreck is located at a depth of around 90 feet. Exploring this site requires adequate diving experience and knowledge of underwater navigation.
