Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sarah (formerly Laura Emma)
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1861
- Builder: Panton Shipyard, Port Burwell, Ontario
- Dimensions: 73 × 19 × 7 ft; 65 gross / 65 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 65 gross / 65 net tons
- Location: East side of Burke Island, Fishing Islands
- Official Number: C71136
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted schooner lost in ice, Lake Huron.
Description
Originally built as Laura Emma in 1861, the vessel was later renamed Sarah in 1882. It measured 73 feet in length, 19 feet in beam, and had a depth of 7 feet, with a registered tonnage of 65 gross and 65 net tons.
History
The Sarah was constructed at Panton Shipyard in Port Burwell, Ontario. It served various roles throughout its operational life, primarily engaged in seasonal freight transport.
Significant Incidents
- Lost on November 28, 1906, after being trapped and crushed by moving ice floes.
- The crew abandoned the vessel, and there were no reported casualties.
Final Disposition
The Sarah sank shortly after the crew abandoned it, with no salvage attempts reported. The loss highlights the dangers of navigating in icy conditions during late-season operations.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Sarah remains submerged in Lake Huron, with no known salvage or recovery efforts undertaken since its sinking.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sarah-c-71136-laura-emma” title=”References & Links”]
The case of the Sarah serves as a reminder of the navigational hazards faced by vessels during the early freeze-up of Lake Huron, illustrating the risks associated with ice-related incidents.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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