Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Altair
- Type: Wooden-Hulled Schooner
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: Francis Nelson Jones
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: 413
- Location: Near Big Charity Island, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
- Original Owners: Local ownership, later owned by Scranton and Parker & Johnson
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Altair was a wooden-hulled schooner with a single deck, built for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. With a gross tonnage of 413, it was relatively large for its time and capable of carrying substantial cargo, including grain, which it was transporting during its final voyage.
Description
The Altair began its life in Buffalo, New York, under local ownership. It later changed hands several times, moving to Chicago in 1859 and subsequently being owned by Scranton in 1860, followed by Parker & Johnson in 1863. The vessel was actively involved in the commerce of the Great Lakes, connecting major ports like Buffalo and Chicago.
History
On November 8, 1864, the Altair departed Chicago bound for Buffalo with a cargo of grain. It encountered a powerful gale while navigating Lake Huron. Seeking refuge, the schooner attempted to shelter along the Canadian shore. However, it ran aground near Big Charity Island in Saginaw Bay, resulting in the vessel’s wrecking.
Tragically, all hands aboard the Altair were lost in the disaster. Wreckage was later found near Kincardine, Ontario. The storm also caused significant damage to other vessels, including the Julia Smith, Amelia, A.J. Rich, and American Eagle, underscoring the widespread devastation wrought by Great Lakes storms.
Significant Incidents
- Wrecked on November 8, 1864, near Big Charity Island, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron.
- All hands lost during the storm.
- Wreckage found near Kincardine, Ontario.
Final Disposition
The Altair was abandoned after grounding near Big Charity Island. The wreck was left to deteriorate and has since become part of the historical record of Great Lakes maritime losses.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no specific records of modern discovery or exploration of the Altair wreck site. No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck, and no navigational hazards have been reported at the site near Big Charity Island.
Resources & Links
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The Altair‘s tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The vessel’s story, marked by its active role in Great Lakes commerce and its loss in a violent storm, highlights the dangers of navigating these vast inland seas. Its legacy remains a poignant chapter in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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