CITY OF LONDON: A Tragic Collision on Lake Erie

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: City of London

• Vessel Type: Wooden Bulk Freighter

• Year Built: 1891

• Builder: James Davidson, West Bay City, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 297 feet (90.5 m)

• Beam (Width): 41 feet (12.5 m)

• Depth: 21 feet (6.4 m)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 2,005 tons

• Net: 1,675 tons

• Propulsion: Triple expansion steam engine with three cylinders, powered by two boilers

• Cargo: Wheat (at the time of the sinking)

• Last Registered Port: Bay City, Michigan

• Final Location: Pelee Passage, 1.5 miles southwest of Point Pelee, Lake Erie

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The City of London was a wooden bulk freighter, a type of vessel built for the transportation of large quantities of bulk cargo, such as grain, coal, or iron ore, across the Great Lakes. These vessels were an essential part of the region’s commercial shipping network during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With its sturdy construction and reliable steam-powered engine, the City of London was designed to withstand the demands of Great Lakes navigation.

HISTORY

Construction and Ownership

The City of London was constructed in 1891 by the renowned shipbuilder James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan. Davidson was known for constructing robust wooden freighters capable of competing with the increasingly popular steel-hulled vessels of the time. The ship’s substantial size and capacity made it a valuable asset for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes.

The vessel initially served under the ownership of James Davidson himself, who was based in Bay City, Michigan. Over its operational career, the City of London primarily transported commodities like wheat, contributing to the bustling trade of the Great Lakes region.

The Fateful Collision

On September 30, 1913, the City of London was navigating through Pelee Passage in Lake Erie when it collided with the steel Steamer Joseph S. Morrow. The collision occurred in thick fog, a common and dangerous hazard on the Great Lakes. The impact was severe, causing the City of London to sink rapidly, while the Joseph S. Morrow sustained significant damage and had to be beached to avoid sinking.

Miraculously, no lives were lost in the incident. The crew of the City of London managed to abandon the sinking vessel in lifeboats and were rescued by the nearby Steamer Briton.

Salvage and Aftermath

Efforts to salvage the City of London were limited. The machinery was removed from the wreck, but the wooden Hull was deemed unsalvageable. To eliminate the navigational hazard posed by the wreck, the Hull was dynamited. Meanwhile, the Joseph S. Morrow was successfully recovered and returned to service.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The City of London sank in Pelee Passage near Point Pelee in Lake Erie following the collision with the Joseph S. Morrow. The wreck was later dynamited to clear the navigational hazard it posed. No significant remains of the vessel are believed to exist today.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the City of London.

• Mariners navigating near Pelee Passage should remain cautious due to the area’s history of fog-related incidents and submerged hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The City of London was identified and documented at the time of its sinking in 1913. However, the dynamiting of its Hull likely left no substantial remains for modern identification.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships
• Bowling Green State University
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

CONCLUSION

The loss of the City of London is a poignant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping. Built during a period of transition from wooden to steel vessels, it served as a critical link in the regional transportation of bulk goods. Its tragic collision with the Joseph S. Morrow underscores the perils of navigating through dense fog on the Great Lakes. Though the City of London is now gone, its story remains a valuable reminder of the challenges faced by early mariners and the risks inherent in Great Lakes commerce.

Keywords: City of London, wooden bulk freighter, Lake Erie shipwreck, Pelee Passage, Great Lakes maritime history, Joseph S. Morrow collision.