Sandusky (1848)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Sandusky
• Type: Wooden Brig
• Year Built: 1848
• Builder: Not available
• Dimensions: Specific dimensions not available
• Registered Tonnage: Not available
• Depth at Wreck Site: 26 m / 85 ft
• Location: Approximately eight kilometers (five miles) west of the Mackinac Bridge
• Coordinates: Not available
• Official Number: Not available
• Original Owners: Not available
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden Brig

Description

The Sandusky was a two-masted wooden brig constructed in 1848 in Sandusky, Ohio. Designed primarily for cargo transport, she was engaged in the grain trade across the Great Lakes. At the time of her sinking, she was carrying a load of wheat.

History

Launched in 1848, the Sandusky served as a vital link in the Great Lakes shipping network, transporting goods between major ports. On September 20, 1856, while en route from Chicago to Buffalo with a cargo of wheat, the Sandusky encountered a violent gale in the Straits of Mackinac. The sudden storm overwhelmed the vessel, leading to her sinking and the tragic loss of all seven crew members. Reports from the time indicate that the side-wheeler Queen City attempted a rescue operation, spotting three crew members clinging to the masts protruding above the waterline. Unfortunately, the severe weather thwarted these efforts, and no survivors were recovered. The incident underscores the perils faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, where unpredictable weather and limited communication often led to maritime tragedies.

Significant Incidents

• September 20, 1856: The Sandusky sank in a violent gale in the Straits of Mackinac, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members.

Final Disposition

The Sandusky’s hull rests intact in approximately 26 meters (85 feet) of water, slightly tipped to port, about eight kilometers (five miles) west of the Mackinac Bridge. While the decks have collapsed in certain areas, several artifacts remain visible, including the centerboard winch, bilge pumps, windlass, and a scroll figurehead adorning the bow beneath the intact jib-boom. The original figurehead was recovered and is currently displayed at the Straits Shipwreck Museum at Old Mackinac Point Light in Mackinaw City. Divers are advised to avoid touching or disturbing any artifacts, as the wreck is showing signs of significant wear and damage.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Sandusky is a well-known site within the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve and has been frequented by divers for many years. Specific details regarding the initial discovery date are not readily available.

Resources & Links

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The Sandusky’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges and dangers inherent in 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. The preservation of her wreck offers valuable insights into maritime history and serves as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in pursuit of commerce and exploration.