IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The B.B. BUCKHOUT was a wooden schooner-barge constructed in 1873, originally designed with two masts but later modified to three masts. This vessel was used primarily in the lumber trade, being towed by other vessels across the Great Lakes. With its robust wooden hull and single deck, the B.B. BUCKHOUT served as a reliable workhorse, navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes for nearly four decades.
HISTORY: The B.B. BUCKHOUT was launched in April 1873 and began its service under the ownership of B.B. Buckhout of Bay City, Michigan. Initially operating in the Saginaw and Chicago lumber trade, the vessel frequently transported timber, a critical industry in the Great Lakes region during that era. Over the years, the vessel changed hands several times, with notable owners including A.C. McLean, W.H. Bridges, and the Shannon & Garey Lumber Co. of Bay City.
Throughout its operational life, the B.B. BUCKHOUT encountered several incidents, including running aground and taking on water. Despite these challenges, it continued to be a valuable asset for its owners, regularly being towed by various vessels to transport goods across the lakes.
In June 1912, the vessel came under the ownership of Rixon, Ainslie & Stoddard Ltd. of Owen Sound, Ontario, and was registered under the Canadian number C126059. However, its operational life was nearing its end.
FINAL DISPOSITION: In November 1912, while being towed by the tug Maitland, the B.B. BUCKHOUT ran aground near Narrow Island, east of Little Current in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The incident occurred when the Maitland struck a shoal, causing the Buckhout to become stranded. Despite efforts to salvage the vessel, it remained grounded, marking the end of its service. The Canadian registry for the B.B. BUCKHOUT was officially closed in 1923.
Today, the wreck lies in approximately 40 feet of water, making it accessible to divers interested in exploring a piece of Great Lakes maritime history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are specifically related to the wreck of the B.B. BUCKHOUT. Divers should be cautious when exploring the site due to the potential hazards of submerged wreckage.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The wreck of the B.B. BUCKHOUT is located near Narrow Island, east of Little Current in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The site has become a notable location for divers exploring the rich maritime history of the area.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The wreck of the B.B. BUCKHOUT rests in 40 feet of water, offering an accessible dive site for those interested in Great Lakes shipwrecks. The wooden structure has deteriorated over time, but significant portions of the vessel are still intact, providing an intriguing exploration opportunity for divers.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: B.B. BUCKHOUT, Schooner-Barge, Little Current, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, Shipwreck, Great Lakes, Lumber Trade, Maritime History
CONCLUSION: The B.B. BUCKHOUT, a schooner-barge built in the 19th century, played a vital role in the lumber trade on the Great Lakes. Despite its eventual demise near Narrow Island in Georgian Bay, the wreck remains a significant part of the region’s maritime heritage. The B.B. BUCKHOUT’s story is a testament to the industrious spirit of the Great Lakes shipping industry and serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated these vast waters. Today, its resting place offers divers a unique opportunity to connect with this storied past, exploring the remnants of a once-proud vessel.
