Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: Berlin

• Vessel Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: 1854

• Builder: S. Ruggles, Milan, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 112 feet (34.14 meters)

• Beam: 25 feet (7.62 meters)

• Depth: 11 feet (3.35 meters)

• Tonnage: 270 tons (Old Measurement System)

• Final Disposition: Wrecked on November 8, 1877, near Burnt Cabin Point, Pointe aux Barques, Lake Huron

• Coordinates: Exact coordinates not provided, but the site is near Burnt Cabin Point, Lake Huron

• Homeport: Buffalo, New York

Vessel Type Description

The Berlin was a three-masted wooden Schooner designed for transporting bulk cargoes such as limestone, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes. Its design featured a spacious hold for heavy goods, and the three-masted configuration allowed it to carry large sails for optimal navigation in the windy conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Early Service

The Berlin was launched in 1854 by S. Ruggles in Milan, Ohio, and initially owned by Thomas Hamilton. Registered in Sandusky, Ohio, it operated across the Great Lakes, primarily transporting vital goods for regional economies.

Significant Incidents

The Berlin’s two-decade history was fraught with peril, demonstrating the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century:

1. 1858 – Grounding in the Detroit River:

The Schooner ran aground but was later freed, continuing its service after repairs.

2. April 1861 – Capsizing in the Straits of Mackinac:

A sudden squall capsized the Berlin. The crew was rescued by the Tug Leviathan, saving lives but leading to significant repairs.

3. October 1861 – Collision in Buffalo Harbor:

A collision with the Schooner David Todd caused further damage but did not end the Berlin’s career.

4. Ownership Changes and Modifications:

Over the years, the Berlin changed ownership multiple times, being re-enrolled in Cleveland (1865), Dunkirk (1866), and Buffalo (1868). Remeasurements and routine overhauls kept the vessel operational despite its incidents.

Final Voyage and Tragic Loss

On November 8, 1877, the Berlin departed with a cargo of limestone. As it approached Burnt Cabin Point near Pointe aux Barques in Lake Huron, the Schooner was caught in a fierce storm. Driven ashore, the Berlin broke apart under the storm’s relentless force.

• Casualties: Of the six crew members onboard:

• Four lost their lives:

• The captain, cook, and a deckhand were swept overboard.

• The captain’s son, lashed to the rigging, succumbed to exposure.

• Two survivors:

• Martin Oleson and Charles Hanson, both from Buffalo, clung to debris through the night and were rescued.

Final Disposition

The Berlin was completely destroyed by the storm. Its remains were left scattered near Burnt Cabin Point. No formal salvage efforts were undertaken, and the cargo of limestone was also lost.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status:

The wreck site poses no navigational hazard and is not listed in current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs). The location near Burnt Cabin Point is well-documented historically, but no active advisories are associated with it.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Berlin was identified shortly after the incident in November 1877, with local reports detailing the tragedy.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link

• NOAA – Thunder Bay: Link

Analysis

The Berlin exemplifies the trials faced by schooners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its history reflects the challenges of maintaining and operating wooden vessels in a region known for sudden and severe weather. Despite being a vital part of regional commerce, the Berlin succumbed to the elements after more than two decades of service. The loss of four crew members highlights the human cost of these maritime tragedies.

The Berlin’s story is a poignant reminder of the resilience and risks associated with Great Lakes navigation. The Schooner’s demise near Burnt Cabin Point remains a significant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Huron.

Keywords

• Berlin Schooner

• Lake Huron Shipwreck

• Three-Masted Schooner

• Pointe aux Barques

• 19th Century Great Lakes Shipping

• Limestone Cargo

• Schooner Tragedy

• Buffalo Schooner

• Maritime History of Lake Huron

The Berlin’s wreck serves as a historic emblem of the Great Lakes’ maritime legacy, preserving the memory of those who braved its waters in the pursuit of trade and connection.