IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Wreck Name: AFRICA

•Type: Propeller Vessel (later converted to Steam Barge)

•Build Date: 1873

•Builder: Constructed in Kingston, Ontario

•Hull: Wooden

•Dimensions:

•Length: 135.7 feet (41.4 meters) (later 148 feet after rebuilding)

•Beam: 25.4 feet (7.7 meters)

•Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 352 tons (485 tons after rebuilding)

•Net Tonnage: 265 tons

•Capacity: 19,000 bushels

•Power Source: single-cylinder low-pressure engine, compounded in 1891

•Final Location: 15 miles south of Cove Island Light, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

•Date of Incident: October 7, 1895

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth: Exact depth not documented

•Condition: Wreck undiscovered

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The AFRICA was originally a wooden propeller vessel designed for freight transport, featuring a two-Deck structure and a rounded Stern. It was powered by a low-pressure single-cylinder engine, providing 35 horsepower, which was later upgraded. Converted into a steam Barge in 1887, the AFRICA saw an increase in length and Gross Tonnage to accommodate bulk freight, including coal and other cargo. The modifications reflected the growing demands of commerce on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

Built in 1873 in Kingston, Ontario, the AFRICA was owned by Patterson & Proctor and operated in the Merchants Line, primarily serving routes between Montreal, Quebec, and Chicago, Illinois. The vessel underwent significant changes over its operational life:

•1873: The AFRICA was launched with a single-cylinder engine from the vessel CHINA, manufactured by Davidson & Doran of Kingston.

•1887: Rebuilt by J. Simpson in Owen Sound, Ontario, the vessel was converted into a steam Barge, reflecting a shift toward bulk cargo transport.

•Operation: The AFRICA was a key vessel in Great Lakes commerce, transporting coal, freight, and agricultural products.

Final Voyage

On October 7, 1895, the AFRICA departed Ashtabula, Ohio, bound for Owen Sound, Ontario, towing the Schooner SEVERN. Carrying coal and miscellaneous freight, the vessel encountered navigational challenges near Cove Island Light in Georgian Bay.

The AFRICA struck a reef, broke apart, and quickly sank. Tragically, all 13 crew members aboard perished, marking the incident as one of the most devastating losses in Lake Huron’s maritime history. The SEVERN was released during the disaster and disappeared, its fate unknown.

Wreckage bearing the vessel’s name was later discovered, along with the bodies of some crew members. The tragedy emphasized the perils of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in Georgian Bay, known for its treacherous waters and hidden reefs.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The AFRICA remains undiscovered, its wreck likely lying on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Georgian Bay. Despite modern wreck-hunting efforts, its exact location has eluded discovery, adding to the mystery of its tragic loss.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist for the AFRICA wreck site, as its location remains unconfirmed. The waters near Cove Island are known for hazardous reefs and rocky outcrops, which should be navigated with caution.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Great Lakes Ships: Historical vessel information database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks

•Bowling Green State University: Great Lakes maritime history archives

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records and research

CONCLUSION

The AFRICA played a significant role in the maritime trade of the Great Lakes, adapting to the evolving demands of commerce. Its tragic loss in 1895 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors navigating these vast and unpredictable waters. The vessel’s undiscovered wreck continues to intrigue historians and wreck hunters, symbolizing the enduring mystery of the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeHuron #GeorgianBay #MaritimeHistory #PropellerVessel #SteamBarge #AfricaShipwreck #CoveIslandLight