IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The SATURN, originally launched as the City of Owen Sound, was a wooden steam barge with a storied history on the Great Lakes. Built in 1875 in Owen Sound, Ontario, the vessel initially served as a propeller-driven ship with two decks. Over the years, it underwent multiple rebuilds and changes in ownership, reflecting the evolving needs of its operators. The vessel was eventually converted into a steam barge with a single deck, a common type for towing and cargo transport across the lakes.
HISTORY: The City of Owen Sound was launched on June 15, 1875, originally serving routes between Collingwood and Chicago. Powered by a single low-pressure engine salvaged from the steamer City of London, the vessel was a workhorse of the Great Lakes, navigating through numerous challenges and incidents over its operational life.
On October 9, 1875, the vessel collided with the bark Emma C Hutchinson in Chicago, marking the first of many incidents in its history. Ownership changed hands in 1878 when the ship was acquired by Smith & Keightley of Toronto. In 1881, the ship ran aground on a rock ten miles north of Gore Bay in the North Channel of Georgian Bay, necessitating repairs and a rebuild in Collingwood in 1883.
Despite these setbacks, the City of Owen Sound continued to operate, even after stranding at Michipicoten River on Lake Superior in 1884. In 1887, the Collingwood Transportation Company took ownership, and the vessel served routes between Georgian Bay and Lake Superior ports. However, on October 24, 1887, the ship foundered near Clapperton Island in Georgian Bay, sinking in 100 feet of water.
The vessel was raised and rebuilt in 1892 as a steam barge, now under the ownership of the Collins Bay Rafting & Forwarding Company. Over the next decade, it underwent further rebuilds and ownership changes, including a stranding incident two miles west of Devils Island in 1895. By 1896, the vessel was renamed Saturn and continued to serve as a steam barge, towing other vessels such as the Muskoka and Waubushene.
FINAL DISPOSITION: The SATURN met its final fate on September 17, 1901, when it foundered in a gale 40 miles northwest of Owen Sound in Georgian Bay. At the time of the incident, the vessel was carrying a cargo of coal. The wreck now lies at a depth of 30 feet (9 meters) near Clapperton Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories directly associated with the wreck of the SATURN. However, as with any wreck site, caution is advised when diving, particularly due to the vessel’s age and potential hazards from remaining structures.
LOCATED BY & DATE: The wreck of the SATURN is located near Clapperton Island, Georgian Bay, at coordinates N46 05.067 W082 13.208. The exact date of its rediscovery is not specified.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The wreck lies in 30 feet (9 meters) of water, making it accessible to recreational divers. The site offers an opportunity to explore the remains of a once-prominent steam barge, with parts of the hull, engine, and other structures still visible. Divers should exercise caution due to the potential for entanglement or sharp edges.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Scanner Ship of the Month No 153 – CITY OF OWEN SOUND
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Historic Vessels of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: SATURN, City of Owen Sound, Steam Barge, Lake Huron, Clapperton Island, Georgian Bay, Shipwreck, 1901, Great Lakes
CONCLUSION: The SATURN, originally launched as the City of Owen Sound, had a long and eventful career on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1875 to its final demise in 1901, the vessel underwent multiple transformations, reflecting the dynamic nature of maritime commerce during that era. Today, the wreck of the SATURN serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated the treacherous waters of Lake Huron. Its remains lie quietly near Clapperton Island, offering a glimpse into the past for those who venture to explore its resting place.
