Wreck Report: Schooner Olga

IDENTIFICATION & VESSEL INFORMATION

• Name: Olga (formerly Sandusky)

• Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge

• Official Number: 115141

• Built: 1873, Gibraltar, Michigan

• Home Port: Buffalo, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 178.4 ft (54.4 m)

• Beam: 33.3 ft (10.1 m)

• Depth: 12.6 ft (3.8 m)

• Gross Tonnage: 593 tons

• Net Tonnage: 536 tons

• Crew: 7

HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE

The Olga, originally launched as the Sandusky, was a prominent Schooner-Barge operating on the Great Lakes. In its later years, the vessel was primarily engaged in the lumber trade, transporting large quantities of timber across Lake Huron and surrounding waterways.

FINAL VOYAGE & INCIDENT DETAILS

• Date: November 30 – December 2, 1905

• Location: Went ashore three miles above Goderich, Ontario, Lake Huron.

The Olga became a derelict during a fierce storm on Lake Huron after breaking loose from the Steamer Meyers, which was towing the Schooner. Over two stormy days, the unmanned vessel drifted helplessly before stranding near Goderich, Ontario, during a snowstorm. The wreck resulted in significant damage to the vessel and a partial loss of its cargo of 800,000 feet of lumber, of which 300,000 feet were lost.

SALVAGE & REPAIRS

• Date of Salvage: December 1905

• The Olga was released from its grounded position and towed to Port Huron for dry-docking and repairs. By April 1906, the vessel was refitted at Sarnia, Ontario, and resumed service in the lumber trade under the ownership of Captain Edward Prill of Tonawanda, New York.

NOTABLE EVENTS

1. Storm and Stranding: The 1905 storm highlighted the perilous conditions of Lake Huron and the challenges faced by Schooner-barges, particularly in tow operations.

2. Final Cargo: The Olga was carrying timber for White, Rider & Frost, a prominent firm in Tonawanda, New York.

3. Subsequent Career: After repairs, the Olga resumed its role in the lumber trade, demonstrating the resilience and economic importance of Great Lakes Schooner-barges.

VESSEL LEGACY

The Olga’s story serves as a testament to the rigors of Great Lakes navigation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its survival and return to service following the 1905 storm underscore the dedication of maritime operators and the significance of lumber transportation to regional economies.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Buffalo Evening News: Coverage of the Olga’s stranding, salvage, and return to service.

• Merchant Vessel List, U.S., 1906: Official records documenting the vessel’s specifications and ownership.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of historical records and incident reports.

The Olga, despite its challenges, contributed to the robust maritime trade of its era and remains a symbol of resilience amidst the Great Lakes’ often-unforgiving conditions.