Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ANGLO SAXON
- Type: Schooner-barge
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: Donaldson & Andrews
- Dimensions: 134 ft (40.8 m); Beam 27 ft (8.2 m); Depth of hold 11 ft (3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 253 gross tons, 253 net tons
- Location: near Waugoschance Point
- Official Number: C71213
- Original Owners: A.A.T. Co.
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden Schooner-Barge (originally built as a bark)
Description
The ANGLO SAXON was a two-masted wooden schooner-barge designed for bulk freight transport on the Great Lakes. Originally constructed as a bark in 1864 by Donaldson & Andrews of Port Dalhousie, Ontario, she was later converted into a schooner-barge, reflecting the evolving needs of maritime trade on the lakes. Her relatively large dimensions for a wooden vessel allowed her to carry significant cargo loads, such as railroad ties and posts, essential for the expanding rail infrastructure of the time.
History
Launched in 1864, the ANGLO SAXON served both Canadian and American interests during her operational life. While records suggest she was briefly American-owned in 1880 (bearing US#374), and possibly between 1867-1874, official documents primarily list her as a Canadian vessel from 1871 onward. The 1874 Merchant Vessels of the U.S. noted that she was “sold foreign,” confirming her return to Canadian ownership. Her homeport was Detroit, and she was owned by the A.A.T. Co. during the time of her loss.
On September 8, 1887, the ANGLO SAXON was en route from Cockburn Island to Chicago, laden with posts and railroad ties. She was being towed alongside her towmate, the J.A. SMITH, by the steamer MATTEWAN. The convoy encountered a severe storm while navigating the Straits of Mackinac near Waugoschance Point. When the MATTEWAN paused to coal, the barges were left at anchor in an exposed position.
The storm’s intensity caused both the ANGLO SAXON and the J.A. SMITH to drag anchor and be driven ashore. Despite efforts to secure the vessels, the ANGLO SAXON quickly became irreparably damaged. The crew managed to escape without casualties, but the vessel was stripped of valuable materials and broke up shortly after being driven ashore.
Significant Incidents
- Loss occurred during a severe storm on September 8, 1887.
- Vessel was towed by the steamer MATTEWAN alongside the J.A. SMITH.
- Both vessels dragged anchor and were driven ashore near Waugoschance Point.
- The crew escaped without casualties, but the vessel was stripped and subsequently broke up.
Final Disposition
Driven ashore near Waugoschance Point, Straits of Mackinac during a storm. The vessel was stripped of valuable materials and subsequently broke up.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil—no confirmed reports of the wreck’s recovery or current location.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the ANGLO SAXON in 1887 highlights the persistent dangers faced by Great Lakes freighters, particularly schooner-barges left vulnerable during towing operations. Her sinking near Waugoschance Point reflects the perilous conditions in the Straits of Mackinac, a notoriously treacherous stretch of water known for sudden and severe storms. Although the crew survived, the vessel’s destruction was a financial blow to the A.A.T. Co., and her demise serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. The ANGLO SAXON’s dual Canadian-American history also exemplifies the fluidity of ownership and registration that characterized many Great Lakes vessels during the 19th century.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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