Avon (1857)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: AVON
• Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel (Bulk Freight)
• Year Built: 1857
• Builder: Thurston, Kingston, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length 132 ft (40.2 m); Beam 23 ft (7 m); Depth of hold 10 ft (3 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 307 tons
• Location: Near Presque Isle, Michigan
• Original Owners: Hooker, Pudnam & Co.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The AVON was a wooden propeller-driven vessel designed for bulk freight transport. Its construction made it ideal for carrying cargoes such as grain and flour, critical to the commerce between the Great Lakes ports. The vessel’s engine, salvaged from the burned propeller TINTO, was a significant feature that enhanced its operational reliability.

Description

The AVON was launched in 1857 from Kingston, Ontario, under the ownership of Hooker, Pudnam & Co., and quickly became an integral part of freighting operations across the Great Lakes. The vessel played a pivotal role in transporting goods between ports in Canada and the U.S., ensuring the steady movement of agricultural and industrial products.

In its early days, the AVON benefited from the addition of an engine salvaged from the TINTO, another vessel lost to fire. This upgrade enhanced its capabilities, making it a dependable option for long-haul transport.

History

The AVON encountered a severe storm on Lake Huron while navigating near Presque Isle on October 14, 1869. The gale caused the vessel to spring a significant leak, forcing the crew to beach the ship near 40-Mile Point to prevent immediate sinking. The wrecking tug MAGNET was dispatched and successfully raised the AVON on October 22. However, further complications ensued:

• October 23: A steam pump failure caused the vessel to begin sinking again, necessitating a second raising attempt.
• October 28: The vessel was raised again but was forced to beach a third time due to worsening weather conditions.

Repeated salvage efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. The relentless storms battered the AVON beyond repair, leading to its abandonment. Over time, the vessel broke apart, and its remains were scattered across the lakebed.

Significant Incidents

• The AVON was abandoned after multiple salvage attempts failed.
• The ship’s structure disintegrated under continuous storm activity.
• The wreckage scattered and eventually disappeared.

Final Disposition

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the AVON wreck site. As the wreckage is scattered and its precise location remains unknown, it does not pose any navigational hazards today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The AVON‘s remains have likely deteriorated significantly due to its wooden construction and exposure to Lake Huron’s harsh conditions. Any remnants are expected to be scattered and buried under sediment, making the wreck inaccessible for diving or exploration.

Resources & Links

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The AVON‘s story reflects the dangers of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. Despite its critical role in regional trade, the vessel’s demise underscores the challenges posed by severe weather and the limitations of salvage technology at the time. The AVON remains a symbol of the resilience and vulnerability of early maritime commerce, its legacy etched into the annals of Great Lakes history.