Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Gold Hunter
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: John Tait (hull initially built by William Dulmage)
- Dimensions: Approximately 100 ft (30.48 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Initially 263 tons, later reduced to 219 tons
- Location: Ghegheto Island near Wiarton, Ontario
- Original Owners: Solomon & David Sylvester et al., later owned by James Heckman & David A. Gates
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Gold Hunter is classified as a schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its two or more masts and fore-and-aft rigging.
Description
The Gold Hunter was constructed in 1862 in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Known for its smart design, the vessel featured a clipper bow and a distinctive white and green color scheme. The name “GOLD HUNTER of MILFORD” was prominently displayed on her stern. With a cargo capacity of 13,000 bushels, she was primarily engaged in the grain trade, initially operating locally before expanding her routes to include Chicago, Collingwood, and Kingston.
History
The Gold Hunter was launched in September 1863 after being commissioned by Capt. Cummings Hume and his partners. Throughout her service, she faced several incidents, including grounding and damage during storms. Notably, in 1866, she required towing by Her Majesty’s gunboat Prince Alfred after an incident in Georgian Bay. On November 3, 1871, she ran aground in Smith’s Bay, Manitoulin Island, during a gale, leading to an uncertain outcome.
Significant Incidents
- 1866: Required towing by Her Majesty’s gunboat Prince Alfred off a lee shore in Georgian Bay.
- November 3, 1871: Ran aground on an uncharted shoal in Smith’s Bay, Manitoulin Island, after loading lumber, during a gale.
Final Disposition
The Gold Hunter was wrecked on October 14, 1890, near Ghegheto Island in Lake Huron after striking a shoal while navigating a channel. The vessel was carrying cedar logs at the time of her loss. The registry for the vessel was officially closed on December 31, 1901.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Gold Hunter is located in Lake Huron. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to respect the site, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.
Resources & Links
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This entry provides a comprehensive history of the Gold Hunter, outlining the schooner’s ownership, significant events, and eventual wreck in Lake Huron. The ship’s numerous groundings and final destruction highlight the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during this era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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