Shipwreck Report: MAJESTIC

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: MAJESTIC
• Type: Propeller Steamer
• Depth at Wreck Site: 55 feet of fresh water (18 meters)
• Dimensions: Length: 291 feet (89 meters) Beam: 40 feet (12.2 meters) Depth: 81.1 feet (24.7 meters)
• Location: Port Burwell, Ontario, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 42° 22.471’ N, 80° 25.108’ W

Vessel Description

The MAJESTIC was a large propeller-driven Steamer constructed for cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. It featured a wooden Hull, two decks, three masts, a round Stern, and a plain head design. The ship had a Net Tonnage of 1,609.50 tons and a Gross Tonnage of 1,985.82 tons. Its design and capacity reflected its primary use in bulk freight transport.

Chronological History

Construction & Early Ownership: Enrolled in Port Huron, Michigan, on August 16, 1889, the vessel initially served under N. Ketchum et al of Toledo, Ohio. Ownership transitioned to N. Ketchum et al of Toledo, Ohio. of Detroit, Michigan, in 1890.

Incidents & Repairs:

• 1890: Ran aground in the St. Mary’s River but was successfully refloated.
• Mid-1890s: Lost its rudder near Whitefish Point and sustained damage from collisions with steamers Manola and America.
• October 1892: Collided with yacht Gassoon and a floating machine shop.
• November 1892: Went aground at Buffalo Harbor, blocking the entrance before being freed.
• April 1894: Collided with the Schooner Theodore Voges In the St. Clair River, resulting in the death of one crew member from the Schooner.

Final Years: Towed consorts Monguagon and MYSTIC in 1907. Burned and sank in Lake Erie on September 19, 1907, approximately 12 miles west of Long Point while en route from Buffalo to Toledo. The vessel carried no cargo at the time of the fire. The crew was rescued by the Steamer Charlemagne Tower Jr.

Final Disposition

The MAJESTIC was completely destroyed by fire. It rests at a depth of 55 feet (18 meters) near Port Burwell, Ontario. The wreck site is accessible to divers and has become a significant site for exploring maritime history in Lake Erie.

Significance

The MAJESTIC had an eventful career marked by several notable incidents, including multiple groundings, collisions, and an eventual catastrophic fire. Its loss highlights the challenges faced by large cargo steamers operating on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Depth: 55 feet (18 meters), suitable for recreational divers with moderate experience.
• Visibility: Conditions vary depending on lake currents and weather.
• Structure: The wreckage is fragmented due to fire damage, but sections of the Hull and machinery are still visible.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels, including the MAJESTIC.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Repository of historical shipwreck records.
• Great Lakes Ships: Detailed information on ship specifications and historical significance.
• Ontario Wreck Divers Association: Diving resources for wrecks near Port Burwell.

Conclusion

The MAJESTIC serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Despite its storied history and multiple incidents, the vessel’s ultimate fate was sealed by a devastating fire. Today, the wreck offers a valuable glimpse into the past for historians and divers alike.

Key Tags #MAJESTIC #LakeErie #Shipwreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #PortBurwell #PropellerSteamer