Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Goshawk
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder: Likely in a Michigan shipyard (specific yard TBD)
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: string
- Location: Off Tawas Point, Lake Huron
- Coordinates: string
- Official Number: string
- Original Owners: string
- Number of Masts: string
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Goshawk was a wooden schooner primarily utilized for lumber transport. Her design and construction reflect the mid-19th-century shipbuilding techniques prevalent in the Great Lakes region.
Description
The Goshawk was engaged in the lumber trade at the time of her sinking. She was noted for her durability and long service life, being one of the oldest operating vessels on the lakes at the time of her loss.
History
Built in 1866, the Goshawk served for 54 years before her demise. She exemplified the durability of wooden schooners and played a significant role in mid-lake freight operations.
Significant Incidents
- On June 16, 1920, while navigating during a storm off Tawas Point, the Goshawk took on heavy seas.
- Her hull seams separated under the stress of the storm, leading to rapid flooding.
- The vessel sank stern-first, but fortunately, no casualties were recorded as the crew was rescued by nearby vessels.
- At the time of her loss, the Goshawk was among the oldest active schooners on the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition
The Goshawk sank due to structural failure of her hull seams during a storm. Her wreck marks the end of a significant era in Great Lakes maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is likely located off Tawas Point in water depths ranging from 50 to 150 feet. The remains are expected to be a broken, waterlogged hull with potential structural collapse.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”goshawk-1866″ title=”References & Links”]
Documenting the wreck of the Goshawk would preserve a tangible link to Great Lakes maritime heritage and provide insights into the challenges faced by wooden vessels in adverse weather conditions.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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