Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Flight
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: c. 1857
- Builder:
- Dimensions: 60-80 ft (18.3-24.4 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 50-60 tons
- Location: Bois Blanc Island area, Straits of Mackinac
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted wooden schooner.
Description
The Flight was a wooden schooner built around 1857. It was primarily used for transporting salt, likely for distribution in Michigan and Ontario.
History
The Flight was involved in the salt trade, a vital industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Straits of Mackinac region, which served as a key link between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Date: November 6, 1865
- Cause of Loss: Grounding during an autumn gale
- Location: Bois Blanc Island area, Straits of Mackinac
- Crew Casualties: None
- Cargo Salvaged: Salt mostly recovered
- Final Fate: Burned by vandals in June 1866
Final Disposition
After grounding, the vessel was abandoned, and most of its salt cargo was salvaged. In June 1866, the remains of the Flight were set on fire by vandals, leaving only a stump.
Current Condition & Accessibility
While the Flight has been burned, there may still be structural remains in shallow water, which could be of interest for maritime archaeology.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”flight-c1857″ title=”References & Links”]
The Flight serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Straits of Mackinac, particularly during late fall storms.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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