WRECK REPORT: BRUNSWICK

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Brunswick

•Type: Iron Bulk Propeller Freighter

•Official Number: U.S. 3148

•Year Built: 1881

•Builder: Detroit Drydock Co., Wyandotte, Michigan

•Dimensions:

•Length: 235 feet (71.6 meters)

•Beam: 35.6 feet (10.8 meters)

•Depth: 15.6 feet (4.8 meters)

•Tonnage: 1120 gross tons

•Owner: Cavenaugh Wrecking Co. at the time of attempted recovery

•Final Voyage: November 12, 1881

•Final Location: Near Dunkirk, Lake Erie

•Depth of Wreck: Exact depth not documented

•Coordinates: Not specifically reported

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Brunswick was an iron bulk propeller freighter, built to efficiently carry cargo across the Great Lakes. It was among the early iron-hulled vessels constructed by the Detroit Drydock Co., reflecting the transition from wooden to iron ships in Great Lakes shipping. Designed to transport bulk goods such as coal, lumber, and grain, the Brunswick was a workhorse of the burgeoning industrial trade routes on the lakes.

HISTORY

Construction and Service

Launched on May 5, 1881, the Brunswick entered service in the summer of the same year. Operated primarily on routes between Buffalo and Duluth, the vessel was engaged in transporting coal, lumber, and grain. Rates at the time included $1.50 per ton for coal, $4.50 per thousand board feet for lumber, and variable rates for grain transport. The freighter’s design and iron Hull allowed it to efficiently handle large loads across the demanding Great Lakes routes.

Collision and Sinking

On November 12, 1881, while en route to Duluth with a cargo of coal, the Brunswick collided with the Schooner Carlingford off Dunkirk, New York, in Lake Erie. The collision caused significant damage to the freighter, leading to its rapid sinking. Tragically, three lives were lost in the incident.

Despite being a modern vessel for its time, the Brunswick’s sinking highlighted the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the often treacherous late autumn months. Confusion following the incident led to inaccuracies in reporting, including an overstated cargo capacity of 5,000 tons (later corrected to 1,700 tons).

Attempts to Raise the Wreck

In October 1894, the Puritan and Stauber tugs, under the direction of the Cavenaugh Wrecking Co., began search efforts to locate and raise the Brunswick. These attempts underscore the value of the ship’s cargo and Hull, though records do not confirm successful recovery. The wreck remains a significant piece of Lake Erie’s maritime history.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Brunswick sank quickly after colliding with the Schooner Carlingford. Its remains lie near Dunkirk, New York, in Lake Erie. While recovery efforts were initiated in 1894, the wreck was not salvaged. The exact location and condition of the wreck are currently undocumented.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The Brunswick has not been definitively located, and no modern surveys have confirmed the state of the wreck. As an iron-hulled vessel, portions of its structure may still exist, preserved by the cold freshwater environment of Lake Erie. Due to the lack of confirmed coordinates, the wreck is not currently accessible for exploration.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the Brunswick wreck site. However, mariners should be aware of potential hazards in the Dunkirk area and consult local advisories.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed documentation of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival information on shipping and wrecks.

•Explore the Brunswick

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive vessel history records.

•View Ship Information

•Detroit/Wyandotte Master Shipbuilding List: Ship construction details from the Detroit Drydock Co.

ANALYSIS

The sinking of the Brunswick exemplifies the challenges of operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. As one of the early iron-hulled freighters, the Brunswick represented the advancement of shipbuilding technology but was not immune to the risks posed by severe weather and navigational hazards. Its collision with the Carlingford, and the subsequent loss of life, highlight the dangers faced by mariners during this transformative period in maritime history.

KEYWORDS

Brunswick, Carlingford, Lake Erie shipwreck, Dunkirk wreck, iron bulk freighter, Great Lakes maritime history, Detroit Drydock Co., 19th-century shipwreck, Great Lakes collision.