1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Celtic was a three-masted wooden schooner-barge built in 1890. As a schooner-barge, it was primarily used for transporting bulk cargoes, typically towed by steamers across the Great Lakes. With its robust wooden construction and substantial size, the Celtic was well-suited to the demands of Great Lakes shipping, though it was not immune to the harsh conditions the lakes often presented.
3. HISTORY #
The Celtic was built in 1890 by Jas. Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan, as hull number 39. The vessel measured 190 feet in length, 34 feet in beam, and 13 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 716 and a net tonnage of 680. Throughout its operational life, the Celtic served as a vital cargo carrier, primarily transporting bulk materials such as coal.
Owned by Spence Bros. of Cleveland, Ohio, and captained by Henry G. Jeffreys, the Celtic was part of the robust fleet that navigated the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It played a crucial role in the transportation network that supported the industrial growth of the region.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
On November 29, 1902, while being towed by the steamer H.E. Runnels, the Celtic encountered a fierce gale at the northern end of Lake Huron. The severe weather caused the towline to break, leaving the schooner-barge adrift and at the mercy of the storm. Tragically, the Celtic was lost with all eight crew members on board. Wreckage from the vessel was later found near the southeast point of Cockburn Island, Ontario, and the wreck itself was located offshore in November 1903.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Celtic.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreckage of the Celtic was located offshore near Cockburn Island, Ontario, in November 1903, approximately one year after the vessel was lost.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the Celtic lies offshore near Cockburn Island, Lake Huron. Due to the nature of its loss during a severe storm and the time that has passed, the condition of the wreck may be significantly deteriorated. The site may be accessible to divers, though it is likely to be challenging due to potential hazards such as sharp debris and poor visibility. Divers should approach the site with caution and respect for the historical significance of the wreck.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Ships Database
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The loss of the Celtic underscores the inherent risks and challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during the stormy months of late autumn. The vessel’s final voyage, marked by the tragic loss of all hands, serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that accompanied the essential work of transporting goods across these inland seas.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
The wreck of the Celtic is a site of historical significance and a somber reminder of the perils of Great Lakes shipping. Divers interested in exploring the site should be prepared for difficult conditions, including the potential for poor visibility and the presence of sharp or unstable wreckage. It is recommended to dive with a guide who is familiar with the area and the history of the site. As always, divers should practice responsible and respectful wreck diving, ensuring that the site is preserved for future generations.
TAGS #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Celtic
- Cockburn Island, Lake Huron
- 19th Century Maritime History
- Schooner-barge
- Shipwreck
- Maritime Tragedy
- Lake Huron Wreck
- Storm Wreck
CONCLUSION #
The Celtic, a sturdy schooner-barge built for the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping, met its tragic end in the treacherous waters of Lake Huron. The vessel’s loss, along with its entire crew, is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who plied these inland seas. The discovery of the wreck a year after its loss provides closure to the story of the Celtic, but it also leaves behind a legacy of caution and respect for the forces of nature that continue to shape the history of the Great Lakes.
