Identification & Site Information

• Name: Onoko
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 155048
• Date Built and Launched: 1882
• Builder: Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio
• Vessel Type: Iron-Hulled Bulk Freighter
• Hull Material: Iron
• Measurements:
• Length: 287.3 ft (87.6 m)
• Beam: 38.8 ft (11.8 m)
• Depth: 20.7 ft (6.3 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 2,164 tons
• Net Tonnage: 1,933 tons
• Date Lost: September 15, 1915
• Place of Loss: Off Knife Island, Lake Superior
• Lake: Lake Superior
• Type of Loss: Foundered (sprang a leak under the engine)
• Loss of Life: None (crew rescued by the tanker Renown)
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Wheat

Vessel Type & Description

The Onoko holds a significant place in maritime history as the first iron-hulled bulk freighter in the world. Launched in 1882 from Globe Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio, the Onoko represented a revolution in shipbuilding, transitioning from traditional wooden hulls to iron construction, which offered greater durability and cargo capacity.

With a length of 287.3 feet and a Gross Tonnage of 2,164 tons, the Onoko was the largest bulk freighter on the Great Lakes at the time of her launch. Designed for hauling coal, iron ore, and grain, the vessel set cargo records for the next decade and played a pivotal role in the expansion of Great Lakes commerce during the late 19th century.

Her for-and-aft compound engine, built by Globe Iron Works, delivered 900 horsepower at 75 RPM, propelling the vessel with a single screw propeller. The Onoko also featured two watertight bulkheads and a steel boiler house, demonstrating early innovations in maritime safety and design efficiency.

History

The Onoko served as a benchmark vessel for the Great Lakes shipping industry, influencing the design of future bulk freighters and paving the way for the steel-hulled freighters that would dominate the lakes in the 20th century.

Key Historical Events:

• 1882: Enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, and began service as the largest bulk freighter on the Great Lakes.
• 1884: Collided with the Schooner W.S. Crosthwaite.
• 1885: Towed the disabled Schooner C.H. Burton to Detroit.
• 1892: Underwent significant upgrades, including new boilers from the Cleveland Shipbuilding Co.
• 1893: Collided with the Steamer C.H. Lockwood.
• 1908: Rebuilt with new steel decks and steel cabins aft, further modernizing the vessel.

Collision with Mary D. Ayer

On May 16, 1896, the Onoko collided with the wooden Schooner Mary D. Ayer off Racine, Wisconsin, in dense fog. The collision resulted in the sinking of the Schooner and the loss of five lives out of seven aboard the Mary D. Ayer.

Despite the collision, the Onoko sustained damage but managed to proceed to Chicago for repairs. This tragic incident highlights the dangers of navigation on the Great Lakes, particularly in conditions of low Visibility.

Final Voyage & Loss

On September 15, 1915, while carrying a load of wheat on Lake Superior, the Onoko sprang a leak under the engine and sank rapidly off Knife Island.

Details of the Incident:

• The vessel Foundered quickly, giving the crew little time to respond.
• The entire crew was able to abandon ship and was subsequently rescued by the tanker Renown.
• The vessel’s documents were surrendered on September 20, 1915, marking the official end of her service.

Final Disposition

The Onoko rests at the bottom of Lake Superior off Knife Island. As the first iron-hulled bulk freighter, her wreck holds significant archaeological interest and serves as a milestone in maritime history.

Located By & Date Found

While specific details regarding the discovery of the Onoko‘s wreck are limited, the vessel is known to have sunk off Knife Island, an area with numerous other historical shipwrecks. Given her iron Hull, the wreck may be relatively well-preserved compared to wooden vessels from the same era.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The waters around Knife Island and Lake Superior in general are known for unpredictable weather and dangerous conditions. Mariners should exercise caution and consult updated nautical charts when navigating near historical wreck sites.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Lake Superior Shipwreck Database
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

Conclusion

The Onoko‘s legacy as the first iron-hulled bulk freighter on the Great Lakes marks her as a pioneer in maritime engineering. Launched in 1882, she set new standards for cargo capacity and durability, influencing the design of future Great Lakes freighters. Her collision with the Mary D. Ayer in 1896 and her eventual foundering in 1915 highlight the perils of Great Lakes navigation, even for the most advanced vessels of their time. Today, the Onoko‘s wreck off Knife Island stands as a monument to innovation and the evolution of maritime technology on the Great Lakes.

Keywords: Onoko, First Iron-Hulled Freighter, Knife Island Shipwreck, Lake Superior Bulk Freighter, Great Lakes Maritime History

Categories: Great Lakes Bulk Freighters, Lake Superior Shipwrecks, Maritime Innovations

Glossary Terms: Iron-Hulled Freighter, For-and-Aft Compound Engine, Maritime Collision, Foundering, Bulk Cargo Shipping