Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: FILER (Schooner Barge)
• Vessel Type: Schooner Barge
• Depth: Undetermined (Foundered in the Detroit River)
• Location: Approximately 3 miles east of Bar Point Light, Detroit River, Michigan
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Year Built: 1871
• Built At: Manistee, Michigan
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Builder: Not specified
• Original Owner: Not specified
• Dimensions Length: 156.6 feet (47.7 meters) Beam (Width): 30.0 feet (9.1 meters) Depth: 10.0 feet (3.0 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 357 tons
• Net Tonnage: 339 tons
• Official Number: 35311
• Home Port: Chicago, Illinois

Vessel Type Description

The FILER was a wooden Schooner Barge designed primarily for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. With its robust construction and sizable cargo capacity, the FILER served as a critical link in the Great Lakes trade network during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a Schooner Barge, the vessel operated both independently and as part of towing operations, showcasing its versatility in the region’s dynamic shipping industry.

History

• 1871: Constructed in Manistee, Michigan, the FILER began its career serving as a key transport vessel from its homeport in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1898: The vessel became waterlogged off Racine, Wisconsin. The crew was rescued by the lifesaving service, and the FILER was later raised and repaired to continue operations.
• 1900: Played a significant role in towing operations, often paired with vessels like the Oscoda and Ida Corning.
• 1915: Ownership transferred to Oscar E. Parks, acting as an agent for the Hamilton Transportation Co. Despite nearing the end of its service life, the vessel remained active in maritime trade.

Final Voyage and Loss

On October 19, 1916, the FILER encountered a fierce storm while navigating the Detroit River near Bar Point Light. The vessel Foundered approximately three miles east of the light, leading to the tragic loss of six out of seven crew members. Only one crew member survived the ordeal, underscoring the perilous conditions that mariners faced on the Great Lakes.

The FILER was carrying a cargo of coal at the time of its sinking. Salvage efforts led by Captain Trotter of the Trotter Towing & Wrecking Company aimed to recover the valuable cargo but faced setbacks, including a collision with the Steamer Samuel Mather during foggy conditions. Although partial salvage was achieved, the vessel itself was declared a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 19, 1916
• Cause of Loss: Foundered during a storm in the Detroit River
• Crew: Seven aboard; six perished
• Salvage Operations: Partial salvage attempted; cargo recovery hindered by challenging conditions and collisions

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the FILER. However, the wreck is noted as a significant historical site within the Detroit River area. Mariners should remain cautious when navigating this region due to its history of shipwrecks and challenging conditions.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Trotter Towing & Wrecking Co. Archives
• Fr. Edward J. Dowling, S.J. Marine Historical Collection

Conclusion

The story of the FILER captures the challenges and dangers of shipping on the Great Lakes during a transformative period in maritime history. Built in 1871, the vessel served faithfully for over four decades, navigating treacherous waters and fulfilling its role in the growing trade network of the region. Its tragic end in 1916 serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by mariners and the fragility of even the most robust vessels against the forces of nature.

The FILER’s sinking and the subsequent salvage operations highlight the ingenuity and determination of early 20th-century maritime professionals, even in the face of immense adversity. Today, the legacy of the FILER endures as part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.

Tags:

FILER shipwreck, Detroit River, Lake Erie, Schooner Barge, Great Lakes history, Bar Point Light, maritime tragedy, salvage operations.