Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sultana
- Type: Wooden, single-deck side-wheel steamer
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: Zadock Pangborn
- Dimensions: 217.3 ft (66.24 m); 30.6 ft; 12.7 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 806.4 tons (old style)
- Location: Approx. 15 miles southeast of Point Aux Barques Light, Lake Huron
- Original Owners: Gillman Appleby of Buffalo, NY
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden, single-deck side-wheel steamer.
Description
Description
The Sultana was built in 1846 at Algonac, Michigan, by Zadock Pangborn. It was originally owned by Gillman Appleby of Buffalo, NY, and registered in Buffalo. The vessel featured a single crosshead cylinder engine powering 34-inch side-wheels, built by T.F. Secor & Co. in New York City.
History
History
The Sultana underwent various repairs and modifications throughout its service life. In 1847, it had machinery repairs in Cleveland, where the engine was lowered by one foot. In 1851, it was disabled on Lake Erie and towed to Buffalo, later striking a reef and sinking near West Sister Island. Between 1854 and 1857, the vessel experienced multiple incidents, including groundings and reef strikes, leading to its rebuilding into a sloop barge. From 1860 to 1862, it was persistently converted and ultimately dismantled into a barge.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- 1847: Machinery repair in Cleveland; engine lowered by 1 ft.
- 1851: Disabled on Lake Erie; towed to Buffalo; struck reef and sank near West Sister Island.
- 1854-1857: Various incidents including groundings and reef strikes.
- 1860-1862: Dismantled into a barge, later used as a sloop barge.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
On October 12, 1863, while sailing loaded with lumber on Lake Huron, the Sultana became stranded approximately 15 miles southeast of Point Aux Barques during a gale. The vessel broke apart in subsequent storms, resulting in a total loss. The remains have gradually scattered and degraded off the Michigan coast.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is likely fragmented and located in shallow to moderate depths. No modern sonar or dive surveys have been recorded. The area is known to be reef-prone, and while it is visible in NOAA charts, updated hazard verification is needed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sultana-1846″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The Sultana, a mid-19th-century side-wheel steamer, succumbed to a gale on October 12, 1863, near Point Aux Barques. Though fragmented and likely well-decayed, the wreck remains of historical interest. Priorities include confirming the precise location and examining archival sources to document the loss and any rescue operations. A modest survey effort could recover structural data and improve regional maritime charts.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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