Persian
Sonar images of Persian
Vessel Type: Sail: schooner
GPS Location: N45° 41.961’ W84° 09.174’
Depth: 168 feet
Wreck Length: 128 feet
Beam: 26 feet
Gross Tonnage: 345
Cargo: Wheat
Launched: 1855 by James Baker in Oswego, New York
Wrecked: September 16, 1868
Description: An October 2, 1868 telegram from Oswego, New York, to the Chicago Tribune reads, “The schooner Persian from Chicago to this port with wheat, collided with the schooner E.B. Allen 15 days ago on Lake Huron and as nothing has been heard of the former vessel since, it is feared that she is lost with all on board” (Chicago Tribune, 3 October 1868).
The schooner E.B. Allen arrived in Chicago and reported it collided with the Persian four miles north of Presque Isle. Statements from the crew revealed that both vessels were sailing up Lake Huron when E.B. Allen attempted to pass Persian as they rounded Presque Isle. The maneuver brought the vessels unnecessarily close, and E.B. Allen struck the starboard quarter of the Persian, who had the right of way. Captain Long of E.B. Allen saw Persian head for shore after the impact, and continued on to Chicago. Unfortunately, Persian did not make land and instead sank quickly with all hands and was not seen again until sport divers discovered the shipwreck site in 1991.
Great Lakes Maritime Collection digital archive: http://greatlakeships.org/2906782/data?n=2