OSCAR TOWNSEND Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: None
• Official No.: 19385
• Type at Loss: Propeller, wood, steam Barge
• Build Info: 1873, E. Fitzgerald, Port Huron, MI
• Specs: Length: 193 feet (58.8 meters) Beam: 34 feet (10.4 meters) Depth: 14 feet (4.3 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 1038 tons (939 metric tonnes)
• Net Tonnage: 835 tons (758 metric tonnes)
• Date of Loss: October 28, 1891
• Place of Loss: 8 miles off Lexington, Michigan
• Lake: Huron
• Type of Loss: Fire
• Loss of Life: None
• Carrying: Coal

History and Description

The OSCAR TOWNSEND was a steam Barge constructed in 1873 by E. Fitzgerald at Port Huron, Michigan. Built primarily for carrying bulk cargo, the vessel was wooden-hulled and powered by a 458-horsepower engine. She was registered with Official Number 19385 and was primarily engaged in the coal trade, making voyages to various ports around the Great Lakes.

The OSCAR TOWNSEND was owned by J. Root of Tecumseh, Michigan at the time of her loss. With a tonnage capacity of over 1000 tons, she was a significant vessel on the lakes for bulk transport.

Final Disposition

On October 28, 1891, while bound for Escanaba, the OSCAR TOWNSEND suffered a fire off the coast near Port Sanilac. The fire began in the lamp room, reportedly caused by an exploding lamp. As the flames quickly spread, the crew was forced to abandon the ship. The MYSTIC, a nearby Tug, responded to the distress call and successfully rescued all of the crew members. Unfortunately, the OSCAR TOWNSEND was burned to a Total Loss and sank 8 miles off Lexington, Michigan.

Despite the extensive damage, there were no reported casualties or injuries from the crew, thanks to the timely rescue.

Sources & References

• Great Lakes Maritime Database: Includes detailed vessel records, including specifics about the OSCAR TOWNSEND’s construction, ownership, and loss.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides comprehensive histories of vessels on the Great Lakes and their final fates.
• Shipwreck Data: Offers further details on the incident that led to the fire and loss of the vessel.

Conclusion

The loss of the OSCAR TOWNSEND is a tragic reminder of the dangers of fire aboard ships, particularly in confined spaces such as the lamp room. While her destruction was complete, the swift actions of the MYSTIC’s crew ensured that the OSCAR TOWNSEND’s crew survived the ordeal. This incident is part of a long history of maritime accidents in the Great Lakes, where fire and other disasters were common threats to vessels navigating the sometimes treacherous waters.