Site Identification & Information

Vessel Name: NORTH WEST

•Type: Twin-Screw Steamer

•Year Built: 1894

•Built at: Globe Iron Company Yards, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

•Material: Steel

•Dimensions:

•Length: 383 feet (116.7 meters)

•Beam: 44 feet (13.4 meters)

•Depth: 26 feet (7.9 meters)

•Propulsion: Twin screws, 4-bladed, 13-foot diameter

•Power: 7,000 horsepower engines

•Speed: 20 miles per hour

•Last Known Location: Off Salmon Point, Lake Ontario

•Depth: 140 feet (43 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The NORTH WEST was a groundbreaking twin-screw Steamer representing the pinnacle of late 19th-century engineering. Designed for the Northern Steamship Company, it provided luxury passenger services and cargo transport between Buffalo, New York, and Duluth, Minnesota, as part of a collaboration with the Great Northern Railway.

The ship had four decks, luxurious passenger accommodations, and the capacity to house 350 emigrants on the lower Deck. Lavish interior features included a grand dining saloon and a mahogany-furnished ladies’ Deck saloon. It was celebrated for its speed and state-of-the-art construction.

History

Launch and Early Service

The NORTH WEST was launched on January 6, 1894, to much acclaim. It was a marvel of its time, boasting innovative twin-Screw Propulsion and luxurious facilities. However, the ship faced challenges early in its career, including a grounding incident in August 1894 near Bar Point, Lake Erie, which was resolved without major damage.

Rebuild and Upgrades

In 1901, the Steamer underwent a major Rebuild, which included new cabins and upgraded boilers, ensuring its continued relevance in an increasingly competitive market.

Fire and Idle Years

A devastating fire in Buffalo, New York, on June 3, 1911, heavily damaged the vessel. Although it was raised and repaired, it remained idle and fell into disuse over time.

War Effort and Division

In 1917, the NORTH WEST was repurposed for the war effort, cut into two sections, and transported to the East Coast. Tragically, the bow half was lost during a storm near Consecon, Ontario, on November 28, 1918. Two crew members died from exposure while stranded on a life raft.

The Stern half was incorporated into the Steamer MAPLECOURT, which served during World War II and was torpedoed in the Irish Sea on February 6, 1941, while en route to Great Britain.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: November 28, 1918

•Cause: Storm-induced sinking near Consecon, Ontario

•Location: Wreck located in 2006 off Salmon Point, Lake Ontario

•Depth: 140 feet (43 meters)

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently issued for the NORTH WEST wreck site. Divers and researchers should verify the latest advisories before visiting the area.

Located By & Date

The wreck was discovered in 2006 off Salmon Point, Lake Ontario, at a depth of 140 feet. Exact coordinates remain undisclosed, preserving the wreck site for research and conservation purposes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies at 140 feet (43 meters), accessible to experienced divers. The extent of structural integrity and artifacts at the site is unknown due to limited surveys. It is a significant exploration site for those interested in the history of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records of historical vessels

•Buffalo Historical Society: Archival materials on the vessel’s history and fire incident

•Great Northern Railway Historical Society: Insights into the vessel’s connection with railway operations

Tags

•NORTH WEST Steamer

•Twin-Screw Ship

•Lake Ontario Wreck

•19th Century Shipbuilding

•Great Lakes Maritime History

Analysis

The NORTH WEST was an emblem of luxury and innovation during its time. From its celebrated launch to its tragic demise, the vessel’s story encapsulates the ambitious spirit of Great Lakes maritime operations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The ship’s resilience was tested through incidents such as the grounding in 1894, the catastrophic fire in 1911, and its ultimate loss in 1918. Its contributions to passenger and cargo transport, as well as its adaptation for wartime service, highlight its importance.

The discovery of the wreck in 2006 reignited interest in the NORTH WEST, offering opportunities for further exploration and understanding of the challenges faced by these engineering marvels. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of the dynamic and often perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation.

Conclusion

The NORTH WEST remains a landmark in Great Lakes maritime history, celebrated for its advanced design and luxurious service. Its loss and subsequent discovery contribute to the ongoing story of innovation, tragedy, and resilience that defines the history of Great Lakes shipping.