Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: GOV. SMITH

•Type: Wooden Package Freighter

•Year Built: 1889

•Builder: Unknown (Specific builder not detailed in available records)

•U.S. Official Number: 86066

•Dimensions:

•Length: 240 feet (73.2 meters)

•Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters)

•Depth: 23.4 feet (7.1 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 2044 tons

•Net: 1547 tons

•Location of Wreck: Approximately eight miles off Pointe Aux Barques, Lake Huron

•Depth of Wreck: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The GOV. SMITH was a wooden package freighter, designed to transport cargo, including goods and parcels, across the Great Lakes. Such vessels were integral to commerce in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, facilitating trade and supply chains in the burgeoning industrial regions surrounding the lakes. With a robust wooden Hull and dimensions tailored for cargo capacity, the GOV. SMITH exemplified the freighters of its era, designed to navigate the sometimes-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

History

Launched on August 24, 1889, the GOV. SMITH quickly became a vital component of the Great Lakes shipping network. The vessel’s large cargo capacity and sturdy design made it suitable for carrying a variety of goods. Its Gross Tonnage of over 2000 tons placed it among the larger freighters of its time.

The vessel operated for 17 years without significant incident, serving as a reliable means of transporting goods and contributing to the economic vitality of the Great Lakes region.

Final Voyage

On August 19, 1906, the GOV. SMITH was navigating Lake Huron when it collided with the Steamship URANUS, approximately eight miles off Pointe Aux Barques. The collision occurred under conditions of heavy smoke on the lake, which obscured Visibility for both vessels.

Details of the Incident:

•The collision caused significant damage to the GOV. SMITH, resulting in its rapid sinking.

•All 20 persons on board the freighter, including crew and passengers, managed to escape safely.

•The lack of casualties was a remarkable outcome, considering the swift nature of the vessel’s sinking.

The URANUS emerged from the collision with less severe damage and was able to continue operations, but the event highlighted the risks posed by limited Visibility on the busy waters of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: August 19, 1906

•Cause of Loss: Collision with the Steamship URANUS, attributed to poor Visibility caused by smoke on the lake.

•Current Condition: The wreck of the GOV. SMITH has not been extensively documented, and its exact condition remains unknown.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no specific NOTMARs related to the wreck of the GOV. SMITH. The site, if located, would likely be of interest to maritime archaeologists and divers due to its historical significance.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records of the GOV. SMITH and other vessels from the era.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Information on shipwrecks and maritime incidents in the Great Lakes.

3.Great Lakes Ships Database: A comprehensive resource on vessels and their operational history in the region.

Legacy

The loss of the GOV. SMITH was a stark reminder of the hazards of Great Lakes navigation in the early 20th century. Though no lives were lost, the collision underscored the dangers posed by environmental factors like smoke and limited Visibility, which were compounded by the dense traffic on the lakes. Today, the story of the GOV. SMITH remains a part of the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes, reflecting the challenges and risks faced by those who navigated these waters.