IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The Castalia was originally constructed as a brig in 1847, designed for transporting cargo on the Great Lakes. It was later rebuilt as a schooner in 1870-71, a common practice at the time to adapt older vessels for continued service. With its substantial length of 119 feet, the Castalia was well-suited for hauling various cargoes across the Great Lakes, although it was light and without cargo at the time of its loss.
HISTORY:
The Castalia began its life as a brig, built by D. Dibble in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1847. Over the years, the vessel saw various owners and underwent significant changes. In 1870-71, it was rebuilt from a brig into a schooner, just before its tragic demise. The schooner had experienced its share of difficulties in previous years, including losing its topmasts in 1851 and being dismasted in 1870.
The Castalia was owned by the Lodewyck Brothers of Detroit, Michigan, with its home port also listed as Detroit. Following its rebuild and after emerging from drydock in May 1871, the Castalia was again ready for service on the Great Lakes.
However, on July 4, 1871, the Castalia encountered a severe storm while navigating near Cove Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The storm overwhelmed the schooner, driving it ashore in shallow waters. Despite efforts to salvage the vessel, it was left stranded about a mile away from deep water and subsequently broke apart in another storm on July 12, 1871.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
The Castalia was ultimately destroyed after being stranded and battered by successive storms in Georgian Bay. The schooner, which had been rebuilt only a short time before its loss, broke up completely in the storm on July 12, 1871. No specific details regarding the loss of life are mentioned, suggesting that the crew may have survived the incident.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
- Current Notices: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site of the Castalia. Due to the vessel’s age and the time since its loss, the exact location and remnants of the wreck have not been precisely documented.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
- Discovery: The wreck of the Castalia has not been officially located or documented. The exact site remains uncharted, and any remnants would likely be scattered due to the vessel’s destruction in multiple storms.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
KEYWORDS:
Castalia, Schooner, Brig, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes.
CONCLUSION:
The loss of the Castalia in the summer of 1871 underscores the challenges and dangers faced by vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite having been recently rebuilt and reconditioned, the schooner was no match for the fierce storms that can arise unexpectedly on the lakes. The vessel’s end, just a short time after emerging from drydock, serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-present risks of maritime life. While the exact location of the wreck remains unknown, the story of the Castalia adds to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, where even the most resilient ships can meet their end in the face of nature’s fury.
