Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Goudreau (formerly Pontiac)
- Type: Steel-hulled propeller bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Cleveland Shipbuilding Company, Cleveland, OH
- Dimensions: ~300 ft length × 41 ft beam × 12 ft depth; 2,298 gt, 1,788 nt
- Registered Tonnage: 2,298 gt, 1,788 nt
- Location: Lyal Island, Stokes Bay, Ontario
- Official Number: 150476
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled propeller bulk freighter.
Description
The Goudreau was a 2,300-ton steel bulk freighter originally built in 1889. It was known for its robust construction and service in the Canadian bulk-freight fleet.
History
The Goudreau had a notable history, having previously sunk as the Pontiac in 1891 after a collision with the Athabasca in the St. Mary’s River. It was recovered, rebuilt, and re-entered service, later being renamed Goudreau in 1917. At the time of its loss, it was part of an active fleet.
Significant Incidents
- Event: During a powerful storm on Lake Huron, Goudreau lost her rudder, rendering her unsteerable.
- Outcome: The helpless freighter was driven onto a reef near Lyal Island, Stokes Bay, Ontario.
- Aftermath: She eventually slipped off the reef into deeper water, sinking in a total loss.
- Casualties: None—no loss of life reported.
Final Disposition
The Goudreau sank on November 23, 1917, after being driven onto a reef during a storm. It was not recovered, and all aboard survived the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not well documented, and further research is needed to ascertain its state and accessibility for divers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”goudreau-pontiac-us-150476″ title=”References & Links”]
The Goudreau remains a significant wreck in Lake Huron, representing both the challenges of maritime navigation and the resilience of those who sailed her. Further exploration and research may yield more insights into her history and condition.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
(Bulk Freighter, built 1889; lost November 23, 1917)
Identification & Vessel Details
- Name(s): Goudreau (formerly Pontiac until renamed in 1917)
- Official Number: 150476
- Type: Steel-hulled propeller bulk freighter
- Built: 1889 by Cleveland Shipbuilding Company, Cleveland, OH (Hull #5)
- Specs: ~300 ft length × 41 ft beam × 12 ft depth; 2,298 gt, 1,788 nt (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Wikipedia)
Incident Overview (November 23, 1917)
- Event: During a powerful storm on Lake Huron, Goudreau lost her rudder, rendering her unsteerable
- Outcome: The helpless freighter was driven onto a reef near Lyal Island, Stokes Bay, Ontario
- Aftermath: She eventually slipped off the reef into deeper water, sinking in a total loss
- Casualties: None—no loss of life reported (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Historical Context
- Goudreau had previously sunk as Pontiac in 1891 after a collision with Athabasca in the St. Mary’s River. She was recovered and rebuilt, re-entered service, and later renamed Goudreau in 1917 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- At the time of her 1917 loss, she was part of an active Canadian bulk-freight fleet.
Summary
- The Goudreau was a 2,300 ton steel bulk freighter originally built in 1889.
- On Nov 23, 1917, after her rudder was torn off during a gale, she grounded on a reef off Lyal Island and sank—not recovered. Impressively, all aboard survived.
- Previously sunk as Pontiac in 1891, she was salvaged, rebuilt, and served another 26 years before her final loss.
Partners for Further Research
| Research Area | Purpose | Suggested Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Exact wreck location & depth | Key for dive mapping or historical documentation | NOAA & Canadian hydrographic surveys |
| Storm analysis (Nov 1917) | To gauge gale strength and sea conditions | NOAA historical weather records |
| Crew and captain accounts | For personal narratives and context | Canadian newspapers (Sudbury, Bruce Peninsula) Nov 1917 |
| Salvage attempt reports | Whether any efforts were made post-sinking | Harbor or salvage company logs |
| Building & rebuilding details | Evidence of 1891 rebuild; understanding structural integrity | U.S./Canadian archives, shipyard ledgers |
- Nov 1917 newspaper reports in Stokes Bay or nearby Canadian towns,
- NOAA or Canadian weather data for that period,
- Salvage logs or hydrographic surveys for wreck mapping,
- Shipyard records detailing the 1891 rebuild and specifications.