Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Perry
- Type: Wooden brig (two-masted sailing vessel)
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Bidwell in Rochester, New York
- Dimensions: 72 ft (21.95 m) × 12 ft (3.66 m) × 5 ft (1.52 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 42 GRT / 37 NRT
- Location: Cape Hurd, Georgian Bay
- Official Number: 10844
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Perry is classified as a wooden brig, a two-masted sailing vessel that was common in the 19th century for cargo transport.
Description
Built in 1867 by Bidwell in Rochester, New York, the Perry measured 72 feet in length, 12 feet in beam, and had a depth of hold of 5 feet. It had a registered tonnage of 42 gross tons and 37 net tons.
History
The Perry served as a cargo vessel during a time when traditional sail-powered ships were transitioning to steam power. Its grounding on Cape Hurd during a severe gale on September 10, 1875, highlights the challenges faced by mariners in the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- On September 10, 1875, a severe gale struck Lake Huron, wrecking multiple vessels including the steamboats Mendota and Equinox.
- During this same storm, Perry was driven ashore on Cape Hurd, sustaining such damage that she was declared a total loss. Her official enrollment was surrendered in Port Huron on January 28, 1876.
- No loss of life was reported; the crew made it to safety via lifeboats or shore.
Final Disposition
After the storm, the Perry was declared a total loss. The official enrollment was surrendered in early 1876, marking the end of its service.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is likely located in the shallows around Cape Hurd in Georgian Bay, possibly in 10 to 30 feet of water or on the shore. Expected remains include fragments of the hull, fasteners, rigging hardware, and possible cargo debris.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”perry-us-10844″ title=”References & Links”]
The Perry’s wreck serves as a reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the dangers posed by sudden storms, particularly for sailing vessels of its time.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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