Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Wreck Name: Acontias
• Wreck Type: Wooden Schooner
• Official Number: 1394
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 136.5 feet (41.6 meters)
  • Beam: 25.8 feet (7.9 meters)
  • Depth: 10.5 feet (3.2 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: 264.4 tons (after rebuilding)
• Location: Presque Isle, Lake Huron, Michigan
• Date of Loss: October 29, 1887

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Acontias was a two-masted wooden schooner constructed in 1856 in Oswego, New York. As a robust example of mid-19th century American schooner design, the Acontias was built to handle bulk goods such as grain and lumber. It featured a single deck and was owned initially by Avery & Baker of Oswego. Schooners like the Acontias were versatile vessels essential for Great Lakes commerce, capable of enduring the challenging conditions of inland waterways.

HISTORY

The Acontias enjoyed a long and eventful career spanning 31 years, marked by numerous incidents, modifications, and ownership changes:

• 1856-1866:
  • The schooner began service as a cargo vessel, primarily transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes.
• 1860: Collision with the propeller Globe near Bar Point, Ontario.
• 1863: Grounding at Stony Point, Michigan, and a wrecking incident at Colchester, Ontario.
• 1866 Rebuild:
  • After striking a rock off Clay Banks, the Acontias was rebuilt in Detroit. Its dimensions were slightly altered, and its gross tonnage increased to 264.4 tons, reflecting its continued utility.
• Ownership Changes:
  • Over its operational life, the schooner changed hands multiple times. By 1887, it was owned by John P. Clark of Detroit.
• Final Voyage (1887):
  • On October 29, 1887, the Acontias was part of a tow with barges Lottie Mason and Moss, carrying lumber from Cheboygan to Detroit.
  • A severe storm drove the vessels ashore near Presque Isle, Michigan, in Lake Huron.
  • The Acontias and Moss were wrecked, while the crew of the Lottie Mason endured a harrowing five-hour rescue by the Middle Island life-saving crew.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Acontias was declared a total loss after running aground on October 29, 1887. Its remains are believed to lie near Presque Isle, Michigan, though the exact site has not been formally located or explored.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

Current Status:

The wreck site is not documented or marked for recreational diving. Mariners and divers operating near Presque Isle should exercise caution.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck has not been formally discovered or explored. Its approximate location is based on historical accounts.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The current condition of the Acontias is unknown. Given the wooden construction and the passage of time, the wreckage may be heavily deteriorated or buried under sediment. The site has not been developed for diving or research.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

KEYWORDS

• Acontias
• Lake Huron Shipwrecks
• Great Lakes Maritime History
• Schooner
• Presque Isle
• 19th Century Shipwrecks

CONCLUSION

The Acontias served as a vital link in Great Lakes commerce for over three decades, transporting essential goods while enduring the hazards of 19th-century maritime trade. Its ultimate loss in 1887 near Presque Isle, Michigan, reflects the challenges of navigating the unpredictable waters of Lake Huron. Despite the ship’s end, its story stands as a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes sailors and the critical role of schooners in regional trade. The Acontias remains a part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, offering insights into the risks and rewards of shipping in a bygone era.

acontias-us-1394 1887-10-29 07:53:00