Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Yankee
• Type: Scow-schooner
• Year Built: 1884
• Builder: J. Huxtable, Sand Beach, Michigan (now Harbor Beach)
• Dimensions: 38 ft (11.6 m) x 12 ft (3.7 m) x 4 ft (1.2 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 12 GT
• Location: Off Port Elgin, Ontario, Lake Huron
• Official Number: 27625
• Original Owners: Mills Transit Company of Port Huron, Michigan
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Yankee was a two-masted scow-schooner, a type of vessel known for its ability to navigate shallow waters and transport various cargoes.

Description

The Yankee was built in 1884 by J. Huxtable in Sand Beach, Michigan. Scow-schooners like her were commonly used for short-haul transport along the Great Lakes, particularly for materials such as lumber, coal, and stone.

History

Owned by the Mills Transit Company of Port Huron, Michigan, the Yankee was towed by steam tugs, which allowed for extended operational range while conserving sail power.

Significant Incidents

• Loss Date: September 17, 1893
• Location of Loss: Off Port Elgin, Ontario, Lake Huron
• Cause of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: None mentioned
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Light (no significant cargo)

Final Disposition

During a storm on September 17, 1893, the Yankee was towed by the tug Jessie alongside the barge Bahama when they were driven ashore near Port Elgin. The Bahama may have been salvaged, but the Yankee was deemed unsalvageable and abandoned after failed recovery efforts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No known discovery of wreckage; the vessel was abandoned and likely disintegrated over time. There are no known hazards or modern navigational warnings related to this vessel.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

The Yankee serves as a reminder of the many small vessels that contributed to Great Lakes commerce. Though her remains may no longer exist, her story continues to resonate with those who explore the waters of Lake Huron.