IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Original Name: Fayette Brown

•Renamed: Omega

•Type: Composite Bulk Carrier

•Official Numbers: C 138235 (Canada), U 120682 (USA)

•Date of Launch: May 14, 1887

•Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Co., Wyandotte, Michigan, Yard #78

•Original Dimensions:

•Length: 252.6 feet (overall 266 feet)

•Beam: 38.6 feet

•Depth: 20.6 feet

•Gross Tonnage: 1,740.55 tons

•Net Tonnage: 1,515.76 tons

•Post-Lengthening (1896):

•Length: 306.3 feet

•Gross Tonnage: 2,080.92 tons

•Net Tonnage: 1,217.42 tons

•Final Canadian Measurements (1920):

•Length: 291.2 feet (between perpendiculars)

•Gross Tonnage: 2,111 tons

•Net Tonnage: 1,207 tons

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Omega was a composite Bulk Carrier, combining a wooden Hull with steel frames. This innovative design provided durability and strength, essential for transporting bulk cargo such as coal and iron ore across the Great Lakes. The ship underwent significant modifications in its lifetime, including a Rebuild and lengthening in 1896 to enhance its cargo capacity and efficiency.

HISTORY

Early Career (1887–1910)

The vessel, originally named Fayette Brown, was built for the Northwestern Transportation Co. of Detroit and launched in 1887. Designed for the demanding bulk cargo trade, the Fayette Brown saw regular service on the Great Lakes.

Key incidents in this period include:

•1894: Collided with and sank the Tug O.W. Cheney near Sault Ste. Marie.

•1896: Sustained Hull damage from ice at Duluth, Minnesota, leading to significant repairs and lengthening.

•1897: Encountered further ice damage on Lake Superior.

•1898: Ran aground near Point Pelee, Lake Erie.

•1906: Beached at Lorain, Ohio.

Ownership remained within the H.H. Brown interests until 1911, when it was renamed Omega under the Omega Transportation Company.

Later Career (1911–1923)

In 1917, the Montreal Transportation Co. acquired the vessel by purchasing Dakota Transit Co., marking its entry into Canadian ownership. The Omega became part of Canada Steamship Lines in 1921. Despite its longevity, the ship was laid up at Midland, Ontario, in 1923.

Final Disposition (1923–1928)

Attempts to repurpose the Hull as a dry dock in 1928 were unsuccessful. The Omega was eventually broken up at Wye Beach near Tiffin, Ontario, marking the end of its service.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Omega, initially Fayette Brown, represents the innovation and evolution of bulk carriers on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The composite construction, combining wood and steel, was a forward-thinking approach for the era. Over its career, the vessel weathered multiple incidents and underwent significant modifications, reflecting the challenges and adaptations required in Great Lakes shipping.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Current Status: The vessel was dismantled at Wye Beach. No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck or its remains.

•Historical Context: While not a diveable site, the Omega is notable for its historical importance in the development of composite bulk carriers.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•The Omega’s final location is Wye Beach near Tiffin, Ontario. Efforts to repurpose the Hull in 1928 indicate its final dismantling occurred at this location.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database

KEYWORDS

•Fayette Brown

•Omega

•Composite Bulk Carrier

•Great Lakes Shipwreck

•Canada Steamship Lines

•Lake Erie

•Maritime History

CONCLUSION

The story of the Omega is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th century. From its innovative composite construction to its lengthy service under various owners, the vessel exemplifies the dynamic history of maritime commerce in the region. Though dismantled, its legacy endures through historical records and its contributions to the development of bulk carriers on the Great Lakes.