IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Original Name: Elfin-Mere

•Later Name: Charles B. Packard

•Type: Bulk Freighter

•Year Built: 1887

•Builder: F. Wheeler, West Bay City, Michigan

•Final Location: Colchester Shoal, Lake Erie, near Point Pelee

•Coordinates: 41° 55.221’ N, 82° 43.658’ W

•Depth: 40 feet (12 meters)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 191 feet (58.2 meters)

•Beam: 34 feet (10.4 meters)

•Depth: 21 feet (6.4 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 1054 tons

•Net: 796 tons

INCIDENT DESCRIPTION

On September 16, 1906, the Charles B. Packard, a former propeller freighter, met its end after a collision on Lake Erie. The vessel struck the wreckage of the Schooner Armenia while navigating through a storm, causing it to founder on Colchester Shoal, about 7.75 miles northwest of Pelee Passage Light in an area known as the Middle Ground.

Circumstances:

•The Packard, en route to Chicago towing the Barge Harold, sank shortly after striking the submerged wreckage.

•No casualties were reported, but the crew escaped with only the clothes they were wearing.

•The first mate, who had been off duty and watching the ship, lost his shoes in the commotion.

VESSEL HISTORY

•Initial Construction:

Built as Elfin-Mere in 1887 by F. Wheeler, the vessel was a typical propeller-driven freighter designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.

•Rebuilding:

In 1901, the vessel was almost entirely destroyed by fire while in Green Bay. It underwent a complete Rebuild before resuming service.

•Name Change:

Renamed Charles B. Packard in 1902, reflecting its new ownership and updated role as a bulk freighter.

SALVAGE ATTEMPTS AND FINAL DISPOSITION

Efforts were made to salvage the Charles B. Packard following its sinking, but the decision was ultimately made not to raise the vessel in 1906. It remained Abandoned on Colchester Shoal, and in 1913, the freighter was dismantled and removed.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition:

The wreck site contains scattered remnants of the Packard and possibly some of the Armenia, though much of the vessel was dismantled.

•Accessibility:

Located at a depth of 40 feet (12 meters), the site is accessible to divers. The shallow depth and historical significance make it a popular destination for exploration.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Charles B. Packard is emblematic of the Great Lakes freighters of its era, showcasing the risks of navigating these often treacherous waters. Its history, including a major fire, a Rebuild, and its eventual sinking, highlights the challenges faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed historical records of vessels like the Packard.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck database for the Great Lakes.

•Local Diving Charters: Information on exploring wrecks near Point Pelee and Colchester Shoal.

KEYWORDS

Elfin-Mere, Charles B. Packard, Colchester Shoal, Lake Erie shipwreck, Schooner Armenia, Great Lakes freighters, 1906 shipwreck, Point Pelee wreck.

ANALYSIS

The loss of the Charles B. Packard serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of submerged wreckage and the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during storms. Its collision with the Armenia underscores the cumulative risks posed by previous wrecks. The vessel’s transformation from Elfin-Mere to Packard and its ultimate fate highlight the durability and vulnerabilities of freighters of the time. Today, its story adds to the rich maritime heritage of Lake Erie and offers an intriguing dive site for exploration.