Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Brunette
- Type: Schooner-barge
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Not available
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Tobermory, Ontario, Canada
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Schooner-barge
Description
The Brunette was a wooden schooner-barge operating on the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Specific details regarding her construction, dimensions, and service history are scarce. However, her classification as a schooner-barge indicates she was designed for towing, a common practice for transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber across the lakes.
History
On November 29, 1901, the Brunette was under tow by the steamer W. L. Wetmore, along with another barge, the James C. King. All three vessels were laden with lumber and en route from Parry Sound to Tonawanda. A severe storm struck the region, causing the Wetmore to run aground on Russell Reef near Tobermory. The James C. King was also wrecked during the storm. The Brunette, however, managed to avoid destruction and was later salvaged.
Significant Incidents
- November 29, 1901: The Brunette was involved in a storm incident while under tow, leading to the grounding of the W. L. Wetmore and the wreck of the James C. King.
Final Disposition
While the Brunette was initially reported as sunk off Tobermory on November 29, 1901, subsequent accounts indicate that she was salvaged after the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil return. No records found indicating the wreck has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”brunette” title=”References & Links”]
The Brunette serves as a testament to the numerous vessels that plied the Great Lakes during a transformative period in North American maritime history. Her involvement in the 1901 storm incident near Tobermory highlights the perils faced by 19th-century sailors and the ever-present risks of lake navigation. Further research into regional archives and historical newspapers may yield additional insights into her story.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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