Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Abram Smith (1892)

Explore the wreck of the Abram Smith, a wooden schooner-barge lost in a storm in 1906 near Duck Islands, Lake Huron.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Abram Smith
  • Type: Wooden schooner-barge
  • Year Built: 1892
  • Builder: Abram Smith, Algonac, Michigan
  • Dimensions: Length 147 ft (44.8 m); Beam 30 ft (9.1 m); Depth of hold 11 ft (3.4 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 326 tons (approx. 295.7 metric tonnes)
  • Location: Duck Islands, off Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron
  • Official Number: U.S. 106923
  • Number of Masts: Two-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden schooner-barge, two-masted.

Description

The Abram Smith was a wooden, two-masted schooner-barge constructed in 1892 by its namesake, Abram Smith, in Algonac, Michigan. Designed for bulk cargo transport, particularly lumber, she was a typical example of the schooner-barges prevalent on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These vessels were often towed by steamers to maximize cargo movement efficiency.

History

In early October 1906, the Abram Smith was in tow of the steamer Langell Boys, along with two other barges, departing from Midland and stopping at Collingwood to load lumber. On October 7, they set out for Bay City. As they progressed, weather conditions deteriorated from overcast skies to strong winds. Seeking shelter from the intensifying storm, the convoy anchored in the lee of the Duck Islands, off Manitoulin Island. However, a sudden shift in wind direction exposed their anchorage, and the Abram Smith was driven ashore by the storm’s force. Pounded by massive waves, she broke apart and was declared a total loss. Fortunately, there were no fatalities among her seven-member crew.

Significant Incidents

  • October 8, 1906: The Abram Smith was lost during a storm near Duck Islands, Lake Huron.

Final Disposition

The Abram Smith was destroyed by the storm and subsequent grounding. There is no record of salvage operations, and the remains were likely scattered or submerged near the Duck Islands.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As of current records, the wreck of the Abram Smith has not been located or identified. There are no current navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck site near the Duck Islands.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The loss of the Abram Smith underscores the perils faced by schooner-barges operating on the Great Lakes, particularly when sudden weather changes rendered anchorages unsafe. Her demise, alongside the challenges faced by her towing steamer, the Langell Boys, highlights the vulnerabilities of towed vessels during severe storms.