IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: St. Clair

• Type: Steam Barge

• Final Location: Off 14 Mile Point, near Eagle River, Michigan, Lake Superior

• Incident Date: July 9, 1876

• Cause of Loss: Fire and sinking

• Cargo: Passengers, cattle, and merchandise

• Fatalities: 24 (15 passengers, 9 crew members)

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The St. Clair was a steam Barge, a versatile vessel type commonly used on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Steam barges carried both cargo and passengers, often filling critical transportation needs in the region.

• Gross Tonnage: 326.78 (after 1876 reconstruction)

• Reconstruction: In 1876, the St. Clair underwent significant upgrades in Detroit, which included an upper Deck and extended cabin space.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY

Early Service and Ownership Changes

The St. Clair experienced multiple ownership changes during its career:

• October 29, 1867: Ran aground at Fighting Island in the Detroit River.

• March 24, 1871: Ownership transferred to Ira H. Owen and the Escanaba & Lake Michigan Transportation Co.

• March 1, 1872: Sold to Eben R. Ayres and others in Sandusky, Ohio.

• May 26, 1873: Purchased by Charles H. Westcott of Detroit.

• April 4, 1874: Owned by J.M. Nicol and Ward’s Central & Pacific Lake Co., both from Detroit.

Reconstruction in 1876

In 1876, the St. Clair underwent a major overhaul in Detroit:

• Upgrades: An upper Deck and extended cabin were added.

• Tonnage Increase: The vessel’s Gross Tonnage rose to 326.78.

FINAL VOYAGE AND TRAGEDY

On July 9, 1876, the St. Clair met its tragic end on Lake Superior while transporting passengers, cattle, and merchandise.

Sequence of Events

• Fire Outbreak: Around 2:00 AM on Sunday morning, a fire broke out aboard the vessel. Within minutes, the entire Barge was engulfed in flames.

• Emergency Efforts:

• Only one lifeboat was launched amidst the chaos.

• Despite attempts to distribute life preservers, the rush to board the swamped Yawl resulted in further casualties.

• Conditions:

• Bitterly cold water added to the challenges.

• The vessel was approximately five miles from shore, making escape and rescue efforts difficult.

Casualties

• Total Onboard: 31 or 32 individuals.

• Fatalities: 24 (15 passengers and 9 crew members).

• Survivors included Captain Robert Rhyness and a few others who managed to stay afloat in the icy waters.

LEGACY AND SIGNIFICANCE

The St. Clair’s destruction underscores the dangers of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. The combination of fire, limited safety measures, and the vastness of Lake Superior created a tragic scenario that cost numerous lives.

This disaster also reflects the vulnerabilities of steam-powered vessels of the era, particularly in their reliance on flammable materials and limited emergency preparedness. The incident contributed to ongoing discussions about improving safety protocols for passenger and cargo vessels on the Great Lakes.

CONCLUSION

The St. Clair stands as a somber reminder of the perils faced by mariners and passengers during the golden age of Great Lakes shipping. Its loss, marked by fire and tragedy, highlights the challenges of early steam navigation and the human cost of these maritime ventures.

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