ADDAIN U1408

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Identification & Site Information #

Wreck Name: Addain
Wreck Type: Scow Schooner
Official Number: 1408
Dimensions: 76.4 feet in length, 19.6 feet in beam, 7.4 feet in depth
Gross Tonnage: 62.26 tons (after rebuild)
Location: Lake Erie, Oak Point/Chickancla Reef
Date of Loss: 1891

Vessel Type Description #

The Addain was a scow schooner, a type of flat-bottomed vessel with broad, square ends, typically used for transporting bulk cargoes such as coal, timber, and grain on inland waterways like the Great Lakes. Scow schooners were valued for their ability to navigate shallow waters and carry heavy loads. Built in 1847 in Trenton, Michigan, the Addain was a wooden vessel with two masts and a single deck. Its design and construction were typical of mid-19th century lake schooners, built to serve the growing demands of the Great Lakes shipping industry.

History #

The Addain was constructed in 1847, though some sources erroneously cite its build year as 1864. The vessel was built in Trenton, Michigan, and initially measured 35.90 tons using the old tonnage measurement system. Over its long career, the Addain underwent several rebuilds and ownership changes, reflecting the vessel’s continued utility despite the hazards of Great Lakes navigation.

In 1868, the Addain was rebuilt in Port Huron, Michigan, which increased its dimensions and tonnage to 62.26 gross tons. At that time, it was owned by Thomas Skinner of Port Huron, who used the schooner primarily for transporting coal. The vessel’s role in the coal trade was crucial during the industrial boom of the 19th century, as coal was a vital energy source for steam engines and other industrial uses.

The Addain encountered several significant incidents throughout its operational history. On May 27, 1870, while carrying a load of coal, the vessel was wrecked on Chickancla Reef in Lake Erie. Fortunately, the Addain was salvaged and raised on June 19, allowing it to return to service. In 1886, the vessel went ashore at Big Charity Island in Lake Huron, another testament to the perilous conditions of Great Lakes navigation.

Ownership of the Addain changed hands multiple times, reflecting the schooner’s robust construction and the continued demand for reliable cargo vessels. By 1890, Charles A. Beck of Port Huron had acquired the vessel. However, the Addain‘s luck ran out in 1891 when it encountered a fierce northwest gale. The schooner was wrecked off Oak Point or near it, striking the treacherous Chicakanola Reef off Point-au-Pelee Island.

Tragically, the Addain sank rapidly after striking the reef, and the cook, Ida Strong, lost her life in the accident. The captain and the remaining crew members managed to save themselves by escaping in a small boat. A tugboat was dispatched to the scene, but the vessel was lost.

Final Disposition #

The Addain was wrecked in 1891 during a northwest gale, sinking off Point-au-Pelee Island after striking Chicakanola Reef. The vessel’s final moments were marked by the loss of its cook, Ida Strong, while the rest of the crew survived by escaping in a small boat. The wreck now rests at the bottom of Lake Erie, a somber reminder of the dangers faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

NOTMARs & Advisories #

Current Status: The wreck site is not extensively documented, and caution is advised for mariners in the area due to potential underwater hazards.

Located By & Date #

Discovered: The wreck has not been formally located or explored in modern times. The exact coordinates of the wreck are not confirmed, and it remains a point of interest for future exploration.

Resources & Links #

Great Lakes Ships: Ship Information
Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Great Lakes Maritime History
David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records

Conclusion #

The Addain is a vessel with a rich and dramatic history, serving as a scow schooner on the Great Lakes for over four decades. Despite multiple rebuilds and ownership changes, the vessel ultimately met its end during a violent storm in 1891. The Addain‘s story highlights the perils faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes during the 19th century, with its loss serving as a reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime trade during that era.