Identification & Site Information

• Name: Aragon (later known as Bayanna)

• Other Names: Aragon, Bayanna

• Registry: Initially United States, later Canada

• Original U.S. Official Number: 107228

• Canadian Official Number: 150811

• Rig: Propeller-driven Steamship

• Hull Number: 00123

• Built: 1896, Detroit Dry Dock Co., Wyandotte, Michigan, USA

• Hull Material: Steel

Dimensions:

• Length: 247.58 feet (75.5 meters)

• Beam: 42.50 feet (12.95 meters)

• Depth: 14.66 feet (4.47 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 1450.00 tons

• Net Tonnage: 1072.00 tons

Vessel Type Description

The Aragon, later renamed Bayanna, was a steel-hulled propeller-driven Steamship initially designed for general cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Following its initial construction, the vessel underwent multiple rebuilds to adapt to different roles. Its transformation into a self-unloader for sand and gravel service highlights its versatility and long-lasting utility.

History

Key Events:

• Launch Date: May 23, 1896, at Detroit Dry Dock Co., Wyandotte, Michigan.

• Rebuilds:

• 1922: Reconstructed to Canadian measures for sand and gravel service.

• 1927: Converted into a self-unloader with increased Gross Tonnage (1643 tons).

• 1960: Pilothouse from the scrapped Canadian Steamer Collier installed.

Significant Incidents:

• October 1898: Stranded near Cascade Rapids. The Hull was damaged but the vessel was released.

• November 17, 1921: Grounded on Salmon Point, Lake Ontario, requiring underwriter intervention for salvage.

• December 1, 1962: Stranded in the Bay of Quinte near Belleville, Ontario.

• December 10, 1963: Refloated and taken to Deseronto, Ontario.

Final Incident:

In May 1964, the vessel, then named Bayanna, caught fire in the Bay of Quinte near Deseronto, Ontario. The fire gutted the ship, rendering it unsalvageable. It was dismantled for scrap in shallow waters, marking the end of its operational life.

Final Disposition

The Bayanna was destroyed by fire and subsequently dismantled in shallow waters at Deseronto, Ontario, in 1964. The vessel had served the Great Lakes region for nearly 70 years, transitioning through various roles and ownerships before its final demise.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to the vessel, as it was scrapped following its destruction.

Located By & Date

The vessel was located and dismantled in Deseronto, Ontario, in 1964.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Bayanna was scrapped in shallow water. No substantial remains are believed to exist, making the site inaccessible for exploration or diving.

Resources & Links

• Historical Collections of the Great Lakes

• Milwaukee Library Scrapbook

• Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1901

• Provisional List of Canadian Merchant Steamships

• Institute for Great Lakes Research

Keywords

Aragon, Bayanna, steel-hulled, propeller, Steamship, Great Lakes, shipwreck, Deseronto, Bay of Quinte, salvage, maritime history, self-unloader.

Analysis

The Aragon, later known as Bayanna, is a notable example of a vessel adapting to meet evolving demands over its lengthy service life. Originally launched as a cargo Steamship, it transitioned into a specialized self-unloader, demonstrating the flexibility of maritime engineering and industry needs. Despite its resilience and utility, the vessel’s history was marred by multiple strandings and ultimately concluded with a catastrophic fire. The loss of the Bayanna underscores the challenges and hazards faced by Great Lakes shipping during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its legacy is preserved through historical records, offering insights into the region’s rich maritime heritage.