Defiance (1848)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Defiance
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1848
• Builder: Captain Roby
• Dimensions: 115 ft (35 m); Beam: 25.5 ft; Depth of hold: null
• Registered Tonnage: 250 tons
• Location: Middle Island, halfway between Presque Isle & Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron
• Coordinates: N45° 14.058′ W83° 16.707′
• Original Owners: Roby & Thompson
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Defiance was a typical 19th-century Great Lakes schooner, built to transport bulk goods such as grain, coal, and lumber across the vast inland seas. With its two-masted rigging and sturdy wooden hull, the Defiance was a workhorse of the Great Lakes shipping industry. At 115 feet in length, the vessel was relatively large for its time, enabling it to undertake long-haul routes between key ports like Chicago, Detroit, and Buffalo.

Description

Launched in 1848 in Maumee, Ohio, the Defiance began its service as a freighter for the Maumee River trade under the ownership of Roby & Thompson. The vessel was enrolled in the Miami District of Ohio and proved to be a reliable transporter of bulk cargo for several years.

History

However, the schooner faced numerous challenges during its service:

• 1849 Fire: The vessel caught fire in December 1849 while docked in Perrysburg, Pennsylvania, suffering damage to its cabin and interior.
• 1853 Grounding: In October 1853, the Defiance ran aground on Hog Island in the Detroit River while laden with grain.

Despite these setbacks, the Defiance remained in operation and continued to serve as a critical link in the Great Lakes trade network.

Final Voyage and Collision

The Defiance embarked on its final voyage in October 1854, carrying a cargo of grain from Chicago to Buffalo. On October 20, while navigating Lake Huron, the schooner collided with the brig J.J. Audubon, which was carrying railroad iron. The collision occurred near Middle Island in deep water.

Both vessels were heavily laden, and the force of the collision proved catastrophic. Within minutes, both the Defiance and the J.J. Audubon sank to the lakebed. Fortunately, the crews of both vessels were rescued by nearby ships, avoiding loss of life. However, the property loss was significant, with damages amounting to $60,000—a substantial sum in the 19th century.

Significant Incidents

• 1849 Fire: The vessel caught fire in December 1849 while docked in Perrysburg, Pennsylvania.
• 1853 Grounding: In October 1853, the Defiance ran aground on Hog Island in the Detroit River.
• Collision with J.J. Audubon: On October 20, 1854, the Defiance collided with the brig J.J. Audubon, leading to its sinking.

Final Disposition

The Defiance remained lost beneath the waters of Lake Huron for over a century. In 1996, Captain Ed Ellison discovered the wreck near Middle Island. The site remains a significant historical artifact, representing one of the many maritime tragedies that characterized the perilous nature of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation.

Located By & Date

Discovered By: Captain Ed Ellison

Date of Discovery: 1996

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for the wreck of the Defiance. However, mariners navigating near Middle Island should exercise caution due to the potential hazards posed by submerged wreckage.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the Defiance underscores the dangers faced by 19th-century mariners navigating the Great Lakes. The collision with the J.J. Audubon is a stark reminder of the risks of human error and limited navigation technology. Today, the wreck of the Defiance serves as an important historical site, offering insights into the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and the challenges of early commercial shipping.