Ariel (1862)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: ARIEL
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built: 1862
• Builder: W. J. Johnson, Owen Sound, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 60.9 ft (18.6 m); Beam: 13.6 ft (4.1 m); Depth of hold: 6.1 ft (1.9 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 41 tons
• Location: Near Collingwood Harbour, Lake Huron
• Original Owners: W. J. Johnson
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ARIEL was a two-masted schooner designed primarily for cargo transport, a common type of vessel on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Compact and versatile, schooners like the ARIEL were integral to regional trade, carrying goods such as barley, lumber, and other bulk commodities between ports.

Description

The ARIEL met its demise near Collingwood Harbour, Lake Huron, during a fierce storm on November 12, 1870. Despite the relatively shallow waters, the schooner could not be salvaged. Its cargo of barley was lost, and the vessel broke apart within 24 hours of the stranding.

History

Early Service and Fires:

The ARIEL’s career was marked by misfortunes. Initially launched in 1862, it operated primarily as a cargo vessel under W. J. Johnson.

• August 1860: The ARIEL was burned in New Baltimore, Michigan, due to an act of arson.
• March 31, 1868: The vessel burned again in Detroit. Following this second fire, the ARIEL was rebuilt in Detroit and converted back into a schooner, later sold to a Canadian owner.

Navigational Incidents:

• November 5, 1869: The ARIEL ran aground near Collingwood Harbour during a snowstorm. Although reports indicated it was in shallow water and salvageable, this incident foreshadowed its eventual fate.
• November 12, 1870: The ARIEL grounded again near Collingwood Lighthouse during a storm while carrying 2,700 bushels of barley. The vessel was declared a total wreck and broke apart the day after stranding. Fortunately, the crew escaped without casualties.

Significant Incidents

The turbulent history of the ARIEL, with multiple fires and groundings, highlights the challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels in the 19th century. Weather, human error, and acts of arson all contributed to its demise. The ARIEL’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of maritime crews and the unpredictable nature of Great Lakes navigation.

Final Disposition

The ARIEL met its demise near Collingwood Harbour, Lake Huron, during a fierce storm on November 12, 1870. Despite the relatively shallow waters, the schooner could not be salvaged. Its cargo of barley was lost, and the vessel broke apart within 24 hours of the stranding.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the ARIEL is confirmed, but specific details regarding its current condition and accessibility for divers are not documented. Divers are encouraged to practice responsible diving, respecting the site and leaving only bubbles.

Resources & Links

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The ARIEL remains a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the perils faced by vessels in the 19th century. As divers explore this site, they are reminded to leave the site better than they found it, taking only memories and leaving only bubbles.