Resting Places of Silent Ships in Lake Huron
Lake Huron, one of North America’s Great Lakes, holds secrets beneath its calm surface. In the depths of this vast body of water lies the Ghost Fleet of Sarnia, a haunting reminder of the region’s maritime past. These sunken vessels, once proud and bustling, now rest silently, creating an eerie underwater landscape. Let us delve into the depths and explore the known ships that form the Ghost Fleet of Sarnia.
- CITY OF GENOA:
The CITY OF GENOA, a wooden propeller bulk freighter, met its fate on August 26, 1911. The ship collided with the W.H. GILBERT near the ferry dock at Sarnia, Ontario, in the St. Clair River. Raised by the Reid Wrecking Company, the CITY OF GENOA was later deemed a total loss. Its stripped hull was burned in 1915 and then towed out into Lake Huron, where it was resunk approximately 11 miles north of Sarnia. - NORMAN:
The steam barge NORMAN, formerly known as the LYON, met its end on November 9, 1905. Caught in a fierce storm, the vessel ran aground on the west shore of Lake Huron, near Sarnia. Efforts to salvage the NORMAN failed, and it was left stranded. Over time, the forces of nature and the water claimed the vessel, and it now lies as a part of the Ghost Fleet. - W.W. ARMSTRONG:
The W.W. ARMSTRONG, a wooden steam barge, met its demise on October 16, 1898. While carrying a load of lumber, the vessel encountered severe weather near Sarnia. Buffeted by powerful winds and towering waves, it foundered and sank. Today, the remains of the W.W. ARMSTRONG rest on the lake’s floor, joining the Ghost Fleet. - EMPIRE:
The steam barge EMPIRE, once a familiar sight on the waters of Lake Huron, sank on June 23, 1946. While under tow during a storm, the vessel began taking on water and eventually went down. The wreckage of the EMPIRE now rests among the other silent witnesses of maritime history in the Ghost Fleet. - GEORGE E. HARTNELL:
The GEORGE E. HARTNELL, a wooden steam barge, met its end on October 15, 1917. Caught in a fierce gale, the vessel foundered and sank near Sarnia. Its remains now lie undisturbed, a solemn participant in the underwater tableau of the Ghost Fleet.
The Ghost Fleet of Sarnia in Lake Huron tells a tale of maritime triumphs and tragedies. These scuttled ships, once bustling with life and purpose, now rest silently on the lake’s floor, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and the ever-present power of nature. Exploring the depths of Lake Huron and encountering the Ghost Fleet offers a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime heritage and the stories that lie beneath the waves. As time passes, these shipwrecks continue to captivate the imagination, preserving a legacy that can be explored by divers and maritime enthusiasts alike.
