ABERCORN

• Type: Steam Barge
• Depth: 20 feet fresh water (6 meters)
• Dimensions: Length 126.1 feet (38.4 meters), Width 26.1 feet (8 meters), Depth 11 feet (3.4 meters)
• Location: Goderich Boneyard, Lake Huron

Identification & Site Information

The ABERCORN was a wooden-hulled steambarge built in 1874 in Marine City, Michigan. Initially owned by James Leitch and others, it became a vital part of the maritime trade, carrying lumber and coal across the Great Lakes. Over its lifetime, the vessel changed hands multiple times, with ownership passing to Robert Leitch, Sarah Leitch, and Henry Pauly before its final owners, Captains W.J. Willoughby and Richard Baxter.

History

The ABERCORN endured a challenging service life, marked by incidents and accidents. Shortly after its launch in 1874, it ran aground near Port Colborne, Ontario, and needed lightering to free it from Lake Erie’s shallow waters. It later ran aground again in October 1883 on Spectacle Reef in Lake Huron. Other mishaps involved collisions and mechanical troubles, though it always managed to return to service following repairs.

The vessel’s service met an unfortunate end on September 5, 1904, when it caught fire at a dock in Goderich, Ontario. The fire, triggered by a signal lamp explosion, caused extensive damage, leading to the vessel’s abandonment. In 1905, the ABERCORN was sold to Canadian interests, effectively concluding its service. Today, its remains lie near Goderich, Ontario, in the “Goderich Boneyard,” a location known to divers and maritime historians alike.

Final Disposition

After the fire, the ABERCORN was left heavily damaged and ultimately Abandoned at Goderich. This historic wreck site remains a destination for divers, offering insight into the era’s Great Lakes steamers and the perils they faced.

References & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships – Bowling Green State University