Shipwreck Report: Propeller PACIFIC

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: PACIFIC

• Type: Propeller (Steam-driven cargo vessel)

• Tonnage: 604 tons

• Ownership: Cook & Wilson

• Cargo: Lumber

• Location: Lake Superior, approximately 30 miles west of Whitefish Point

• Date of Incident: November 16, 1887

• Estimated Loss:

• Hull: $22,000

• Cargo: $9,000

• Insurance: $15,000 (Buffalo Hull pool)

Vessel Type Description

The PACIFIC was a wooden-hulled steam propeller, a vessel type commonly used on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Propeller-driven ships were highly versatile and widely employed for transporting bulk cargo, such as lumber, grain, and coal, between ports on the Great Lakes. With a capacity of 604 tons, the PACIFIC was a significant vessel for its time, capable of handling substantial cargo loads across the often unpredictable waters of Lake Superior.

History

The PACIFIC was a hardworking cargo vessel, regularly transporting lumber and other goods vital to the economic growth of the Great Lakes region. By the late 19th century, steam-powered propellers like the PACIFIC had largely replaced sailing ships, providing greater reliability and speed for shipping industries.

On November 16, 1887, the PACIFIC encountered trouble while navigating Lake Superior. Carrying a full load of lumber, the vessel ran aground approximately 30 miles west of Whitefish Point. The grounding caused significant damage to the Hull, and the vessel was reported as a Total Loss. However, the ship’s captain noted that the PACIFIC was still holding together and could potentially remain intact if weather conditions did not worsen.

Despite the efforts to salvage the situation, the combined loss of the vessel and its cargo was substantial, amounting to $31,000—a significant sum for the era. The Hull was insured for $15,000 under the Buffalo Hull pool, offsetting some of the financial losses for the owners, Cook & Wilson.

Final Disposition

The PACIFIC remained stranded and suffered extensive damage. It was ultimately declared a Total Loss due to the severity of the damage and the challenges of recovery in the harsh conditions of Lake Superior. The wreck has not been formally documented or located in modern surveys, and its remains are presumed to lie in the vicinity of the reported grounding site.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the PACIFIC.

• The site is historically significant but remains unverified in contemporary records or underwater surveys.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the PACIFIC has not been definitively located or explored in modern times. The grounding site was reported as being 30 miles west of Whitefish Point, but exact coordinates or details of the wreck’s condition are unavailable.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The PACIFIC’s wreck is likely to have deteriorated significantly over the years, given its wooden construction and exposure to the elements in Lake Superior’s harsh environment. Any remnants would be deeply submerged and scattered, with accessibility for divers or historians requiring advanced equipment and precise location data.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical accounts of the PACIFIC and similar vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival data on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Insights into nearby wrecks and the maritime history of Whitefish Point.

• NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Information on conditions and historical surveys in the region.

Conclusion

The grounding and loss of the PACIFIC illustrate the perils faced by vessels navigating Lake Superior during the late 19th century. Despite the ship’s robust construction and the captain’s initial optimism, the damage proved insurmountable. The incident highlights the challenges of transporting valuable cargoes like lumber across the Great Lakes and underscores the importance of weather forecasting and navigational safety measures. The wreck remains an enduring mystery, adding to the lore of Lake Superior’s treacherous waters.

Keywords

#PropellerPacific #LakeSuperiorShipwreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #WhitefishPointWreck #19thCenturyShipping