Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Montmorency (also known as Hannah Moore)
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner used for lumber transport
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 6 m / 20 ft
- Location: Off west side of Big Charity Island, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
This was a typical 2-masted, flat-bottom scow-schooner built for shallow-water hauling of lumber. Though precise dimensions and tonnage are not recorded here, similar vessels ranged 65–140 ft LOA, flat decked for maximum cargo space.
Description
The Montmorency met its end in May 1901 after fog-induced stranding near Big Charity Island. Though broken by storms, its remains remain charted and are accessible in shallow waters, making it valuable both for field study and public engagement in maritime heritage.
History
The Montmorency was primarily used for transporting lumber. On May 19, 1901, it ran aground in shallow waters off Big Charity Island due to dense fog, leading to structural damage that left it stranded. Over time, successive storms broke the vessel apart, and its remains now lie scattered in shallow water.
Significant Incidents
- Weather/visibility conditions: Dense fog
- Incident: Ran aground in shallow waters off Big Charity Island due to poor visibility; grounded on sandy shoals
- Consequences: Structural damage left it stranded; successive storms broke the vessel apart over time; remains now lie scattered in shallow water
- Casualties: No crew lost according to records
Final Disposition
The wreck is explicitly marked on nautical charts, suggesting awareness of its hazard and presence. The current condition of the wreck is that of a broken hull largely disintegrated, with only scattered timbers and partially intact framing remaining.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is popular among novice divers and kayakers exploring shallow-water wrecks. The depth range is likely under 20 ft (6 m), making it accessible to paddlers and shore-based explorers.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”montmorency-1866″ title=”References & Links”]
Archival and cartographic research, combined with shallow-water surveys, can further enrich our understanding of this vessel and its role in Great Lakes lumber transport.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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