1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Cascaden was a wooden-hulled schooner built in 1866 by A. Hackett in Saugeen, Ontario. The vessel was a two-masted schooner with a gross tonnage of 136 tons. The Cascaden was designed for various operations on the Great Lakes, serving the needs of its owners, Cascaden & Co. With its solid wooden construction, the vessel was valued at $5,000 and was registered in Southampton, Ontario.
3. HISTORY #
The Cascaden was launched in 1866 and quickly became a valuable asset for Cascaden & Co. The schooner was primarily engaged in transporting goods and supplies across the Great Lakes, contributing to the bustling maritime trade of the region. Its service was marked by reliability and resilience, navigating the often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
However, the Cascaden’s final journey on October 17, 1871, would be marred by tragedy. While carrying essential supplies for the Cove Island Lighthouse keeper and his family, the schooner encountered a fierce storm off Cape Hurd, near Tobermory, Ontario. The storm proved too powerful for the vessel, causing it to go ashore and wreck. The exact details of the loss, including the fate of the crew, remain unknown. What is clear, however, is that the destruction of the Cascaden had significant consequences, particularly for the lighthouse keeper and his family, who were left without the crucial supplies the schooner was delivering.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Cascaden was lost on October 17, 1871, after it was driven ashore by a severe storm near Cape Hurd, Lake Huron. The vessel was completely wrecked, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes. The wreck site has not been extensively explored, and the details of any recovery efforts remain unknown.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the Cascaden. The wreck is likely difficult to locate due to the passage of time and the potential for deterioration in the turbulent waters of Lake Huron.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the Cascaden’s wreck has not been documented, and there have been no reports of its discovery. The schooner was lost near Cape Hurd, off the coast of Tobermory, Ontario, but the precise coordinates remain unrecorded.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the Cascaden was completely wrecked in 1871, the condition of any remaining wreckage is likely poor. The site, if located, would be of historical interest, but it may be challenging to access or identify due to the potential for significant deterioration over the years.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The loss of the Cascaden highlights the dangers faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The schooner’s tragic end, while carrying supplies for the Cove Island Lighthouse, serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and often violent weather that could spell disaster for even the most well-constructed ships. The story of the Cascaden also underscores the vital role that these vessels played in supporting isolated communities and infrastructure, such as lighthouses, on the Great Lakes.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Due to the lack of a confirmed wreck site and the age of the vessel, diving opportunities related to the Cascaden are extremely limited. The site, if found, may offer little in the way of intact artifacts or structures, given the likely extent of deterioration. Divers interested in exploring Lake Huron’s shipwrecks should focus on other, more accessible and better-preserved wrecks in the area.
TAGS #
- Lake Huron
- 19th Century
- Wooden Schooner
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The Cascaden, a wooden-hulled schooner built in 1866, met its tragic end in a storm off Cape Hurd, Lake Huron, in 1871. Despite its solid construction and reliable service, the vessel was no match for the fierce gales that often swept across the Great Lakes. The loss of the Cascaden serves as a testament to the harsh and unforgiving conditions that mariners faced and the vital role these vessels played in the everyday lives of those who relied on them. The story of the Cascaden remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Huron, remembered for its service and its tragic final voyage.
