Cygnet (1854)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Cygnet
• Type: Wooden scow schooner
• Year Built: 1854
• Builder: Edwin Poole
• Dimensions: 82 ft (25 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: ~95.75 GRT
• Location: Undetermined (open Lake Huron/Lake Michigan)
• Original Owners: Edwin Poole, J. Morrison, E. Gongon, T. W. Green, among others
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type

Wooden scow schooner, a flat-bottom cargo vessel designed for transporting goods.

Description

Description

The Cygnet was a wooden scow schooner built in 1854 by Edwin Poole in Algonac, Michigan. It measured 82 feet in length and had a gross registered tonnage of approximately 95.75 GRT. The vessel was equipped with two masts.

History

History

The Cygnet had a tumultuous operational history, marked by several incidents. It was owned by J. Morrison in 1853 and enrolled in Detroit on October 20, 1854. The vessel was wrecked at Oswego, NY, on November 7, 1853, but was later repaired. On June 13, 1855, it collided with the steamer Western World near Buffalo, resulting in sinking, but it was subsequently raised. The Cygnet ran aground near Chicago twice between 1855 and 1857 and was likely refloated after grounding at Grand Haven, Lake Michigan, in November 1860. Ownership changed multiple times post-1860, with notable owners including Poole, Ree, Rogers, Hansen, Ferry, McNamara, Jackson, and Gongon. By 1865, it was recorded as 82.32 GRT and was owned by E. Gongon in Detroit. In 1866, it was reported as ‘lost at sea’ under the ownership of T. W. Green, presumed a total loss.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

• Wrecked at Oswego, NY, on November 7, 1853; later repaired.
• Collided with the steamer Western World near Buffalo on June 13, 1855; sunk but raised.
• Aground near Chicago twice between 1855 and 1857; freed both times.
• Aground at Grand Haven, Lake Michigan, in November 1860; likely refloated.
• Reported ‘lost at sea’ in 1866, presumed total loss.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

The Cygnet was declared a total loss in March 1866, with its location undetermined, likely lost at sea during a storm. No recovery or ashore wreckage has been documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the Cygnet is unknown, as it was lost at sea with no recovery efforts documented.

Resources & Links

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Conclusion

The Cygnet experienced a rugged nine-year operational life across the upper Midwest, marked by groundings, recoveries, a mid-career collision, and regional ownership changes. Ultimately lost at sea in March 1866 under the ownership of T. W. Green, the vessel vanished without ashore wreckage or recovery. While no human loss is recorded, the event reflects the inherent risks faced by small wooden trading vessels of the era.