SHIPWRECK REPORT: BALTIC (Formerly FRANCES SMITH)

Identification & Site Information

•Name: BALTIC (Formerly FRANCES SMITH)

•Type: Sidewheel Steamer

•Built: 1867

•Builder: Melancthon Simpson

•Build Location: Owen Sound, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 182 feet (55.5 meters)

•Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)

•Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 1324 tons

•Capacity: 625 gross tons

•Final Disposition Date: September 5, 1895

•Location of Loss: Collingwood, Ontario, Lake Huron

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth of Wreck: Burned to the waterline, remains likely shallow or buried

Vessel Type Description

The BALTIC, a Sidewheel Steamer, was a large and versatile vessel primarily used for passenger and freight transport across the Great Lakes. Originally named FRANCES SMITH, the vessel was equipped with steam-driven paddlewheels on each side of its wooden Hull. It was designed for long-distance service, showcasing the engineering and maritime advancements of the mid-19th century. The BALTICcarried passengers and cargo on routes operated by the Great Northern Transit Co.

History

Construction and Early Service

The FRANCES SMITH was constructed in 1867 by Melancthon Simpson in Owen Sound, Ontario. It was one of the more prominent sidewheel steamers of its time, capable of carrying substantial cargo and a large number of passengers. Its engine and machinery were sourced from the Steamer CLIFTON, exemplifying the practice of reusing valuable components to minimize costs.

Incidents During Service

The BALTIC had a checkered operational history with several significant incidents:

•1885: Ran aground on Higbee Island, Lake Superior, causing heavy damage.

•September 1888: Grounded on Clapperton Island, resulting in further structural issues.

Despite these challenges, the vessel remained operational and a key player in Great Lakes transportation.

Conversion and Renaming

By the late 19th century, the FRANCES SMITH was renamed BALTIC under the ownership of Charles Cameron and operated by the Great Northern Transit Co. The vessel continued to serve the region, adapting to changing transportation needs.

Final Incident: The Fire of 1895

On September 5, 1895, while docked at its mooring in Collingwood, Ontario, the BALTIC caught fire in the middle of the night. Despite efforts to combat the flames, the vessel burned completely to the waterline, resulting in its total destruction. The cause of the fire remains uncertain, but it marked the end of the vessel’s service.

Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. However, the fire led to a protracted legal battle over insurance claims. The case escalated to the Canadian Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the insurance companies.

Final Disposition

The BALTIC was declared a Total Loss following the fire, with no viable components or structure remaining. The wreckage was not salvaged and is presumed to have been lost to decay over time, buried or scattered in the harbor area of Collingwood.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The remains of the BALTIC are likely buried beneath sediment or submerged in shallow waters near Collingwood, Ontario. Given the destruction caused by the fire, little of the vessel is expected to remain intact.

•Accessibility: The site is not marked as a dive location and has no significant remnants for exploration.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for the wreck site of the BALTIC.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database on historical Great Lakes vessels.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documented incidents and wreck histories.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Details on the vessel’s construction and operational history.

•Bowling Green State University: Archival information on Great Lakes maritime heritage.

Keywords

BALTIC, FRANCES SMITH, Sidewheel Steamer, Collingwood Fire, Great Northern Transit Co., Higbee Island, Clapperton Island, Lake Huron Shipwreck, 19th-Century Maritime History, Canadian Supreme Court Case

Conclusion

The BALTIC’s history is emblematic of the challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels in the 19th century, from frequent groundings to eventual destruction by fire. As a prominent Sidewheel Steamer, it played a vital role in connecting communities and fostering trade across the region. Though its wreck is no longer accessible, the story of the BALTIC continues to highlight the ingenuity and resilience of early maritime ventures on the Great Lakes.