Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Homer Warren (originally named Atlantic)

•Location: Near Sodus Point, Lake Ontario, New York, USA

•Depth: Exact depth not documented, located near provided coordinates.

•GPS Coordinates: 43°22’26.8”N, 77°11’13.9”W

•Date of Wreck: October 28, 1919

Vessel Type Description

The Homer Warren, formerly the Atlantic, was a wooden steam-powered propeller vessel. Initially constructed in 1863 by Peck & Masters in Cleveland, Ohio, it was a versatile ship designed to carry passengers and freight across the Great Lakes. Measuring 176.5 feet (53.8 meters) in length with a Gross Tonnage of 656.26 tons, the vessel was one of the prominent steamships of its era.

Rebuilt in 1901, the ship was converted into a lumber hooker, a vessel type optimized for transporting timber. The Rebuild at J. Davidson’s shipyard in Bay City, Michigan, saw the vessel renamed Homer Warren, with modifications extending its length to 180 feet (54.9 meters)and reducing its Gross Tonnage to 447 tons. It served the booming lumber trade until its tragic end.

History

Early Service as Atlantic

The vessel, launched in 1863, was a key part of the Union Transportation Company’s fleet. Operating primarily between Chicago and Buffalo, it carried passengers and general freight, fostering economic activity across the Great Lakes. Later, under the Grummond Line, the Atlantic was repurposed for routes along Lake Huron, serving ports from Detroit to Mackinaw City.

Rebuild and Renaming

After 33 years of service, the Atlantic fell into disrepair, being laid up in Detroit by 1897. It suffered two devastating fires but was salvaged due to the growing demand for lumber transportation. Rebuilt and renamed Homer Warren in 1901, the vessel resumed operations, now dedicated to the transportation of timber. By 1914, it was sold to Canadian interests, continuing its service on the lakes.

Final Voyage

On October 28, 1919, the Homer Warren encountered a violent storm on Lake Ontario near Sodus Point, New York. The aging vessel, carrying lumber, succumbed to the harsh weather conditions and sank. Tragically, all nine crew members perished. The precise circumstances of the sinking remain unclear, but the vessel’s age and the intensity of the storm likely contributed to its demise.

Final Disposition

The Homer Warren was lost near Sodus Point in a storm, marking the end of its long and storied career. The vessel’s location near the provided GPS coordinates has been noted, though details about the wreck’s discovery or subsequent exploration remain sparse. The tragedy underscores the perilous nature of maritime operations on the Great Lakes, especially for older vessels facing adverse weather conditions.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck. However, mariners navigating near Sodus Point should remain vigilant, especially during inclement weather, as the area has historically been challenging for navigation.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s exact discovery details are not widely documented, but it is acknowledged to be in the vicinity of the provided GPS coordinates. The wreck is not a prominent site for divers or researchers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Homer Warren lies submerged in Lake Ontario, and its condition remains undocumented. Due to its age and presumed depth, the wreck is likely in a state of significant deterioration, with limited accessibility for diving.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive database for shipwrecks and maritime records.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: An authoritative source for historical shipwreck documentation.

•Great Lakes Ships: Records and specifications of historic vessels.

•Bowling Green State University Historic Vessels Index: An archive of Great Lakes shipping history.

•NOAA Mariners Weather Log (April 2015): Insights into weather-related maritime incidents.

Conclusion

The Homer Warren‘s transformation from a passenger Steamer into a lumber hooker reflects the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels to meet shifting economic demands. Despite its resilience, the ship’s loss during a storm in 1919 serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by sailors and the limitations of 19th-century maritime technology. Today, the wreck near Sodus Point remains a testament to the vessel’s long service life and its tragic end.

Keywords

Homer Warren, Atlantic, lumber hooker, Lake Ontario shipwreck, Sodus Point, Great Lakes maritime history, 1919 storm, wooden freighter, shipwreck rescue.