How did the sweepstakes sink?
It was damaged off Cove Island, then towed to Big Tub Harbour in the Georgian Bay of Lake Huron (not Lake Ontario), where it sank in September 1885….Sweepstakes (schooner)
| History | |
|---|---|
| Canada | |
| In service | 1867 |
| Fate | Sank at Big Tub Harbour in September 1885 |
| General characteristics |
How deep is the shipwreck in Tobermory?
The steamer’s bow sits at about 10 feet below the water’s surface, with its deepest point at about 30 feet. The shallow dive meant more bottom time to check out the steam engine with its massive boilers, the rudder, and the main attraction — an immense propeller resting upright in sand.
How did the ship sank in Tobermory?
The Shipwreck Sweepstakes The Disaster – On August 23, 1885, the Sweepstakes hit a rock near Cove Island and sank in shallow water close to the light station. She remained there until September 3rd when she was towed into Big Tub Harbor by the tug Jessie.
Why are there so many sunken ships in Tobermory?
Once a 61-metre, graceful steam vessel, the Wetmore lies in six meters of water near Tobermory. Because of the treacherous shoals and shifting weather, this part of Lake Huron is littered with more than 30 wrecks, a dozen of them great for snorkeling.
How many ships have sunk in Lake Huron?
8 ships
12 ships were lost completely and an estimated 31 were driven ashore by wind and waves. The most losses occurred in Lake Huron where 8 ships sank and 200 sailors died. Listing of missing Great Lakes ships with valued cargo as of 1961. Digital collections, including a shipwreck search.
How many sunken ships are in Tobermory?
Tobermory is home to over 20 shipwrecks! Everyone, from the novice snorkeller to the most advanced diving enthusiast, can find lots to explore and enjoy within the park. Shipwrecks can be seen by diving, snorkeling, by boat or right from the harbour!
Where are the most shipwrecks in the world?
Bermuda is often considered the shipwreck capital of the world. With more than 300 shipwrecks dotting its waters, the North Atlantic island boasts more wrecks per square mile than anywhere else on the planet.
Why is the water turquoise in Tobermory?
Blue-Greens In certain areas around the lake, the water has a special turquoise colour. The colours can be attributed to the depth of the water and the colour of the sand, clay, and gravel that make up the shoreline.
Can you swim to shipwreck in Tobermory?
Diving Sites in Tobermory Harbor Penetration of the wreck is not permitted. Suitable for Diving, Snorkeling and Kayaking. City of Grand Rapids: A steamer, is besides the Sweepstakes in Big Tub Harbor.
What was the worst shipwreck in the Great Lakes?
DETROIT – On Sept. 8, 1860, the PS Lady Elgin collided with the schooner Augusta, resulting in the deaths of more than 300 people. The Lady Elgin was built in New York in 1851 for $95,000, which would be about $3.4 million in 2021. The Lady Elgin proved popular, regularly selling out trips across all five Great Lakes.
What is the most famous shipwreck in Lake Superior?
the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald
One of the most famous shipwrecks in Great Lake history is the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, a 729-foot freighter that capsized in Lake Superior during a severe storm on November 10, 1975. Sunk en route to a steel mill in Detroit, the vessel is the largest ship to have ever sunk in the lakes.