Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sun
- Type: Steam freighter
- Year Built: Not specified (likely early 1870s)
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approx. 192 ft (58.5 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: Lake Huron, off Point Aux Pins, Ontario
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A mid-19th-century steam freighter—192 ft in length—adept at towing multiple barges loaded with freight. This setup exemplified period innovation in tow-based cargo logistics across the Great Lakes.
Description
On 12 July 1874, while towing three barges through Lake Huron near Point Aux Pins, the Sun was struck by a fierce storm. The storm overwhelmed the vessel, causing it to founder. All barges she was towing managed to continue under sail, eventually reaching Detroit.
History
The storm caused catastrophic structural failure, resulting in the Sun‘s sinking. She was declared a total loss valued at $13,000, while the barges escaped, highlighting her robustness amid adversity.
Significant Incidents
- No current navigational markers or charts denote the wreck site. However, the area remains a known storm zone, and small vessels should maintain caution even today.
Final Disposition
Nil return. There are no records of any expeditions, sonar scans, or diver surveys locating the wreck. The site remains uncharted.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is uncharted and remains undiscovered. Caution is advised in the area due to its history of storms.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sun-c1870″ title=”References & Links”]
Further research into newspaper archives and marine logs may provide additional insights into the Sun and her final voyage.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sun (Steam freighter)
- Built: Not specified (likely early 1870s)
- Vessel Type: Steam-powered freighter
- Tonnage & Dimensions: Approx. 192 ft long (tonnage not specified) (alcheminc.com)
- Final Loss: 12 July 1874, Lake Huron—off Point Aux Pins, Ontario (alcheminc.com)
- Cargo at Loss: Towing three barges; cargo details of freighter unspecified
- Crew & Casualties: None reported
- Loss Value: Total loss estimated at $13,000
Vessel Type
A mid‑19th-century steam freighter—192 ft in length—adept at towing multiple barges loaded with freight. This setup exemplified period innovation in tow-based cargo logistics across the Great Lakes.
Final Voyage & Loss
On 12 July 1874, while towing three barges through Lake Huron near Point Aux Pins, the Sun was struck by a fierce storm. The storm overwhelmed the vessel, causing it to founder. All barges she was towing managed to continue under sail, eventually reaching Detroit (alcheminc.com).
Final Disposition
The storm caused catastrophic structural failure, resulting in the Sun‘s sinking. She was declared a total loss valued at $13,000, while the barges escaped, highlighting her robustness amid adversity.
Located By & Date Found
Nil return. There are no records of any expeditions, sonar scans, or diver surveys locating the wreck. The site remains uncharted.
Notations & Advisories
No current navigational markers or charts denote the wreck site. However, the area remains a known storm zone, and small vessels should maintain caution even today.
Archival & Research Recommendations
- Newspaper Archive (July–August 1874):
Investigate Toronto Globe, Detroit Free Press, and Milwaukee Sentinel for storm reports and towing details. - Underwriter Files & Marine Logs:
Insurance records from Detroit or Chicago may include technical damage assessments or salvage valuations. - Great Lakes Tow Dispatch Logs:
Tow-boat company records, particularly for barges arriving in Detroit, may shed additional light on the incident.