Cascaden (1866)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Cascaden
• Type: Wooden-Hulled Schooner
• Year Built: 1866
• Builder: A. Hackett, Saugeen, Ontario
• Dimensions: Not specified
• Registered Tonnage: Gross: 136 tons
• Location: Lake Huron, off Cape Hurd, near Tobermory, Ontario
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Original Owners: Cascaden & Co.
• Number of Masts: Two-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Cascaden was a two-masted wooden schooner, a vessel type widely used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century for cargo transport. Built in 1866, it was a reliable and durable vessel valued at $5,000, registered in Southampton, Ontario. The schooner was designed to navigate the Great Lakes’ often unpredictable conditions, making it an essential part of the regional shipping infrastructure.

Description

The Cascaden, constructed by A. Hackett in Saugeen, Ontario, began service in 1866 and was primarily engaged in carrying goods and supplies across the Great Lakes. Its role in regional trade and support of isolated communities underscored its importance.

History

The schooner’s final voyage was marked by tragedy. On October 17, 1871, the Cascaden set sail carrying supplies destined for the Cove Island Lighthouse keeper and his family. While en route, the vessel was caught in a severe storm near Cape Hurd, a notorious area for shipwrecks due to its rocky shoals and exposure to strong winds. The storm drove the Cascaden ashore, where it was completely wrecked.

Details about the crew’s fate remain unclear, as historical records do not confirm whether lives were lost during the wreck. The loss of the supplies was significant for the lighthouse keeper’s family, who relied on such deliveries for their survival in an isolated location.

Significant Incidents

• The Cascaden was declared a total loss after it was driven ashore and destroyed by the storm.
• The wreck’s remains have not been located or documented in modern times, leaving the exact details of the site unknown.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Cascaden has not been conclusively located or documented. Its approximate location is believed to be near Cape Hurd, off the coast of Tobermory, Ontario, but specific details are unavailable.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the Cascaden’s destruction in 1871 and the passage of time, it is likely that any remaining wreckage is highly deteriorated or buried under sediment. Without precise coordinates or a confirmed discovery, the wreck remains inaccessible to divers or researchers.

Resources & Links

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The Cascaden, a wooden schooner launched in 1866, played a vital role in Great Lakes trade before succumbing to a storm off Cape Hurd in 1871. Its loss highlights the risks of maritime navigation in the region and the importance of such vessels in supporting isolated communities like the Cove Island Lighthouse. Though its wreck remains undiscovered, the Cascaden’s story endures as part of the rich maritime history of Lake Huron.