Augustus Handy

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Augustus Handy
• Type: Wooden Schooner
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions: 126 ft (38.40 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Near Spectacle Reef, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Augustus Handy was a wooden schooner designed for speed and maneuverability, featuring a cutwater bow and raked stern, suitable for navigating the Welland Canal and the Great Lakes.

Description

The wreck of the Augustus Handy is remarkably well-preserved despite its age of over 160 years. The hull remains intact, offering a rare glimpse of mid-19th-century schooner construction. Key features include:

• Structural Features: The cutwater bow and raked stern are preserved, reflecting its sleek design.
• Artifacts and Equipment: Some original golden wheat cargo is still visible in the holds. The crow’s nest remains attached to the aft mast, and the windlass is intact.
• Stern Features: Deadeyes for securing shrouds and a perfect, intact wooden wheel are present.

History

The Augustus Handy was transporting 16,000 bushels of wheat from Chicago to Kingston, Ontario when it sank on May 7, 1861. After passing through the Straits of Mackinac, the vessel encountered a severe storm near Spectacle Reef, leading to its sinking in deep water. The crew survived, but the ship and its valuable cargo were lost. This incident highlights the dangers of Great Lakes navigation, particularly during unpredictable spring storms.

Significant Incidents

• May 7, 1861: The Augustus Handy sank after striking Spectacle Reef during a storm.

Final Disposition

The wreck is protected under Michigan’s maritime heritage laws. Divers are advised to respect the site and avoid disturbing the vessel or its artifacts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is in deep water, likely accessible only to advanced technical divers. Lake Huron’s cold, fresh waters provide excellent preservation and visibility, making it ideal for documenting this historically significant wreck.

Resources & Links

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The Augustus Handy serves as a significant archaeological and historical resource, showcasing a pristine example of a mid-19th-century schooner. Its intact features and the presence of golden wheat in the cargo hold provide a tangible link to its final voyage and the agricultural economy of the time.