Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SWEETHEART
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Detroit, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 175 ft (53.3 m); Beam: 32 ft (9.8 m); Depth of hold: null
- Registered Tonnage: 538.97 tons
- Location: St. Clair River, near the mouth of Lake Huron and later near Algonac, Michigan
- Official Number: 22397
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The SWEETHEART was a classic wooden schooner built for transporting bulk cargoes on the Great Lakes. Like many schooners of its time, it was designed for durability and cargo capacity, efficiently moving goods across vast waterways. Its robust construction and large tonnage made it a key player in the regional shipping industry during the late 19th century.
Description
The SWEETHEART, launched in 1867, had a noteworthy career before its untimely sinking. By 1881, the schooner was actively operating on the Great Lakes when it met its fate near the mouth of the St. Clair River, sinking in Lake Huron. The wreck obstructed navigation in this vital waterway, creating significant hazards for passing vessels.
History
The SWEETHEART‘s position as a sunken hazard prompted calls for its removal. However, concerns over the expense and risk deterred its owners from immediate action. Attempts to raise the vessel initially failed, as the wreck contained over 300 tons of ore, which added to its weight and caused chains to part during salvage operations.
To mitigate the danger, a makeshift lightship was installed above the wreck using an old hull. This innovative solution helped alert passing vessels and simultaneously generated income through maintenance fees levied on shipowners.
In 1881, the Port Huron Wrecking Company successfully took on the task of raising the SWEETHEART. Using advanced techniques for the time, they managed to bring the vessel closer to the American side of the river. Once the decks were above water, the schooner was patched, pumped out, and taken to dry-dock for repairs. The discovery of its ore cargo highlighted the significant obstacles faced during initial salvage attempts.
Significant Incidents
- 1881: The SWEETHEART sank near the mouth of the St. Clair River, obstructing navigation.
- 1881: Initial salvage attempts failed due to the weight of the ore cargo.
- 1881: A makeshift lightship was installed above the wreck to alert passing vessels.
- 1913: The U.S. War Department contracted the Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. to remove the wreckage for safe navigation.
Final Disposition
By 1913, the SWEETHEART remained a concern, with remnants still near the coal docks at Algonac, Michigan. The U.S. War Department contracted the Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. for $2,250 to remove the wreckage completely, ensuring safe navigation in the area.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The story of the SWEETHEART reflects the ingenuity and determination of Great Lakes mariners and salvage teams. From makeshift solutions like the lightship to the eventual removal of the wreck, the schooner’s tale is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of early maritime recovery efforts.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sweetheart-us-22397″ title=”References & Links”]
The schooner SWEETHEART‘s sinking and eventual salvage reflect the complexities of managing maritime hazards in the Great Lakes. From its initial loss in 1881 to the final removal efforts in 1913, the story of the SWEETHEART highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of maritime communities. It serves as a vivid reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated—and managed—the bustling shipping lanes of the Great Lakes.
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.
Wreck Report: Schooner SWEETHEART
Identification & Site Information
- Name: SWEETHEART
- Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
- U.S. Registration Number: 22397
- Year Built: 1867
- Place Built: Detroit, Michigan
- Dimensions:
- Length: 175 feet (53.3 meters)
- Beam: 32 feet (9.8 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 538.97 tons
- Final Location: St. Clair River, near the mouth of Lake Huron and later near Algonac, Michigan
Vessel Type Description
The SWEETHEART was a classic wooden schooner built for transporting bulk cargoes on the Great Lakes. Like many schooners of its time, it was designed for durability and cargo capacity, efficiently moving goods across vast waterways. Its robust construction and large tonnage made it a key player in the regional shipping industry during the late 19th century.
History
The SWEETHEART, launched in 1867, had a noteworthy career before its untimely sinking. By 1881, the schooner was actively operating on the Great Lakes when it met its fate near the mouth of the St. Clair River, sinking in Lake Huron. The wreck obstructed navigation in this vital waterway, creating significant hazards for passing vessels.
The Challenges of Raising the Wreck
The SWEETHEART‘s position as a sunken hazard prompted calls for its removal. However, concerns over the expense and risk deterred its owners from immediate action. Attempts to raise the vessel initially failed, as the wreck contained over 300 tons of ore, which added to its weight and caused chains to part during salvage operations.
To mitigate the danger, a makeshift lightship was installed above the wreck using an old hull. This innovative solution helped alert passing vessels and simultaneously generated income through maintenance fees levied on shipowners.
Salvage and Repairs
In 1881, the Port Huron Wrecking Company successfully took on the task of raising the SWEETHEART. Using advanced techniques for the time, they managed to bring the vessel closer to the American side of the river. Once the decks were above water, the schooner was patched, pumped out, and taken to dry-dock for repairs. The discovery of its ore cargo highlighted the significant obstacles faced during initial salvage attempts.
Final Disposition
By 1913, the SWEETHEART remained a concern, with remnants still near the coal docks at Algonac, Michigan. The U.S. War Department contracted the Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. for $2,250 to remove the wreckage completely, ensuring safe navigation in the area.
Recent Developments
The story of the SWEETHEART reflects the ingenuity and determination of Great Lakes mariners and salvage teams. From makeshift solutions like the lightship to the eventual removal of the wreck, the schooner’s tale is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of early maritime recovery efforts.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Database: Great Lakes Ships
Tags Great Lakes Shipwrecks St. Clair River Schooner SWEETHEART Maritime Salvage 19th-Century Shipwrecks Lake Huron Navigation
Conclusion
The schooner SWEETHEART‘s sinking and eventual salvage reflect the complexities of managing maritime hazards in the Great Lakes. From its initial loss in 1881 to the final removal efforts in 1913, the story of the SWEETHEART highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of maritime communities. It serves as a vivid reminder of the challenges faced by those who navigated—and managed—the bustling shipping lanes of the Great Lakes.
sweetheart-us-22397 1881-03-14 07:53:00