Identification & Site Information

•Name: S.S. Osborne

•Type: Schooner

•Date of Wreck: November 1874

•Location: Cassidys Reef, 2 miles east of Port Colborne, near Gravely Bay, Lake Erie

•Cause: Stranding due to adverse weather and a deteriorating Hull

•Value: Estimated at $35,000

•Insurance: $30,000

•Owner: Mr. Wilcox of Painesville, Ohio

Vessel Type Description

The S.S. Osborne was a Schooner, a popular vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, used for transporting bulk cargo. Known for their reliability and large carrying capacity, schooners were essential for moving commodities such as grain, coal, and ore across the lakes. The Osborne was primarily employed in ore transport, underscoring its importance in the region’s industrial supply chain.

History

Final Voyage

In November 1874, the S.S. Osborne encountered severe weather while navigating near Gravely Bay on Lake Erie. The Schooner ran aground at Cassidys Reef, a well-known hazard for vessels. Initial rescue attempts, including efforts by the Tug Compound with wrecking equipment, failed due to the vessel’s worsening condition.

Salvage Attempts

A salvage expedition from Detroit, equipped with a Lighter and steam pumps, sought to stabilize and recover the vessel. Captain Grummond and other wreckers joined the effort, but the Osborne’s Hull deteriorated rapidly under the pounding waves. Despite their expertise, the wreckers Abandoned their efforts as the Schooner began breaking apart.

Final Report

The S.S. Osborne was declared a Total Loss. Wreckage washed ashore near Port Colborne, and its valuable ore cargo was unrecoverable. A dispatch from the area described the Schooner as being torn apart by relentless waves, underscoring the harsh conditions faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Final Disposition

The S.S. Osborne broke apart near Cassidys Reef, with significant portions of the wreckage scattering along the shoreline near Port Colborne. The wreck became irrecoverable, and much of its remains deteriorated over time.

Located By & Date

The wreck was documented in November 1874, following numerous salvage attempts and reports of debris washing ashore.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Obstructions: Wreckage posed a navigational hazard near Cassidys Reef, an already perilous area for ships.

•Advisories: Wreckers declined further attempts at salvage due to the unstable condition of the Osborne.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the S.S. Osborne are presumed to be scattered and heavily deteriorated along the shoreline near Port Colborne. While remnants may still exist, the passage of time and environmental exposure likely reduced the site’s integrity.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The wreck of the S.S. Osborne highlights the risks faced by schooners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite their importance in the region’s economic development, these vessels were vulnerable to severe weather and the treacherous conditions of waterways like Lake Erie. The Osborne’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges of maritime commerce during this era.

Resources & Links

•Primary Sources:

•Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, November 1874 Reports

•Historical Databases:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The S.S. Osborne’s tragic end underscores the dangers inherent in Great Lakes navigation. While it was valued for its role in transporting bulk cargo, the Schooner ultimately succumbed to the elements, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and peril that characterizes 19th-century maritime history.

Keywords

•#GreatLakes

•#LakeErie

•#SSOsborne

•#Schooner

•#Shipwreck

•#MaritimeHistory

•#CassidysReef

•#PortColborne

•#OreTransport

•#19thCenturyShipping