Venus (1872)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Venus
• Type: Schooner
• Year Built: 1872
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 221 tons
• Location: Lake Huron, off Thunder Bay
• Original Owners: Stone

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Venus was a wooden-hulled schooner built in 1872, exemplifying the robust yet efficient design of 19th-century cargo vessels. Schooners like the Venus were integral to maritime trade on the Great Lakes, tasked with transporting bulk goods such as coal, grain, and stone. At 221 tons gross, the Venus was moderately sized, balancing substantial cargo capacity with the agility required to navigate the unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes.

Description

Launched in 1872, the Venus quickly became a vital component of Great Lakes trade, operating from its home port in Caseville, Michigan. Under the ownership of Stone and classified as A 2, the Venus was considered reliable and capable of enduring the region’s harsh maritime environment.

History

On October 4, 1887, the Venus departed from Grindstone Island with a cargo of grindstones, bound for Milwaukee. While crossing Lake Huron, the schooner encountered a severe storm. Despite the crew’s determined efforts, the vessel began taking on water and ultimately succumbed to the storm, sinking off Thunder Bay. The tragedy claimed the lives of Captain James Thompson, Mate Peter Nelson, John Nelson (Peter’s brother), Anton Blerk, and an unidentified cook.

Initially, there was uncertainty regarding the wreck’s identity. However, marine insurance representatives later confirmed that the schooner observed foundering during the storm was indeed the Venus.

Significant Incidents

• October 4, 1887: The Venus foundered during a storm on Lake Huron, resulting in the loss of the vessel and its crew.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Venus was confirmed in the vicinity of Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. Sadly, no survivors were recovered, and the ship and its cargo were deemed a total loss.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The precise location of the Venus wreck remains unknown, but it is believed to lie off Thunder Bay where it sank in the storm of October 4, 1887.

While specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Venus have not been documented, it is probable that the site was marked as a potential navigational hazard shortly after the sinking, particularly if wreckage was visible near the surface.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the Venus serves as a sobering reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Despite advancements in ship design and the experience of her crew, the schooner was no match for the violent storm that sealed its fate. Continued exploration and research into the Venus wreck will contribute to a deeper understanding of Great Lakes maritime history and the countless sacrifices made by those who navigated its waters.