PERSIAN

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #

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	Vessel Name: Persian Type: Schooner Tonnage: 545 tons Built: 1855 by James Navagh in Oswego Owners: Captain Long and Mr. Michael Murphy of Oswego Value: $11,000 Repairs: Extensive repairs completed in 1865 Crew: Entire crew hailed from Oswego Date of Wreck: September 16, 1868 Location: Above Presque Isle, Lake Huron Depth: Masthead not far below the surface Danger: Posed a danger to passing steamers

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Vessel Name: Persian
Type: Schooner
Tonnage: 545 tons
Built: 1855 by James Navagh in Oswego
Owners: Captain Long and Mr. Michael Murphy of Oswego
Value: $11,000
Repairs: Extensive repairs completed in 1865
Crew: Entire crew hailed from Oswego
Date of Wreck: September 16, 1868
Location: Above Presque Isle, Lake Huron
Depth: Masthead not far below the surface
Danger: Posed a danger to passing steamers

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The Persian was a large 545-ton schooner, built with the capability to navigate the Great Lakes, specifically designed for cargo transportation. Constructed in 1855 by the renowned shipbuilder James Navagh in Oswego, it represented the sturdy and resilient design of mid-19th-century wooden schooners. The vessel had undergone significant repairs in 1865, ensuring its continued service on the lakes.

HISTORY: #

The Persian, owned by Captain Long and Mr. Michael Murphy, both from Oswego, was a prominent vessel on the Great Lakes. It was engaged in commercial shipping, often carrying substantial loads across the expansive waters of the region. On September 16, 1868, while bound down on Lake Huron, the Persian encountered a tragic fate. Sailing ahead with the wind from near astern, it was struck on the quarter by the schooner E.B. Allen, which was attempting to pass. The collision caused severe damage, forcing the Persian to head for shore in a desperate attempt to save the vessel and crew.

Despite valiant efforts, the Persian was lost, and no trace of the crew was found, leading to the abandonment of all hopes for their survival. The wreck remained hidden for over a century until it was discovered in 1991, lying in deep water near the site of the collision. The location of the wreck, with its masthead dangerously close to the surface, raised concerns among mariners about potential collisions with passing steamers.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

The Persian sank shortly after the collision with the schooner E.B. Allen, with no survivors from the crew. The wreck was eventually located in 1991, resting above Presque Isle in Lake Huron.

LOCATED BY & DATE: #

Discovered in 1991 by a team of underwater explorers, the wreck lies in deep water in the vicinity of the 1868 collision.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

Hazard: The masthead of the Persian lies close to the surface, posing a potential danger to passing steamers.
Chart Obstruction: Mariners are advised to navigate cautiously in the area to avoid any possible collision with the wreck.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

CONCLUSION: #

The discovery of the Persian wreck in 1991 added a vital piece to the historical puzzle of Great Lakes shipwrecks. While it ended tragically for the crew, the Persian’s story serves as a reminder of the perils faced by mariners on these vast inland seas. The wreck’s proximity to the surface continues to be a concern, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with navigating these historic waters.