Shipwreck Report: AURANIA

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: AURANIA

•Type: Propeller Ship (Initially launched as a Barge, later converted to a steel bulk freighter)

•Year Built: 1895

•Builder: Chicago Shipbuilding Co., Chicago

•Dimensions:

•Length: 352 feet (107.3 meters)

•Beam: 44.16 feet (13.5 meters)

•Depth: 21.75 feet (6.6 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 3,218 tons

•Net: 2,899 tons

•Final Voyage Date: April 29, 1909

•Wreck Location: Parisienne Island, Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior

•Coordinates: Exact coordinates not provided

•Depth: Wreck discovered in 1972, details of depth unspecified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The AURANIA, built in 1895 as a Barge, was later converted into a steel bulk freighter in 1899, making it one of the largest steel schooners on the Great Lakes at the time of its launch. Designed to transport bulk cargo, the ship played a significant role in Great Lakes commerce, carrying goods such as coal and grain. Its steel construction reflected the transition from wooden to steel-hulled vessels during the late 19th century, emphasizing durability and capacity in challenging waters.

HISTORY

The AURANIA was constructed by the Chicago Shipbuilding Co. and entered service as a Barge. By 1899, she was converted into a bulk freighter, with updated design and machinery enabling her to meet the growing demands of Great Lakes shipping. At 352 feet in length, the AURANIA was a behemoth for its time, capable of carrying large volumes of cargo.

On April 29, 1909, the AURANIA met her demise in Whitefish Bay on Lake Superior. She, along with several other ships, became trapped in pack ice near Parisienne Island during mid-April. Over time, the relentless pressure of the ice against her steel Hull caused her to take on water. Despite efforts to save the ship, the AURANIA was ultimately crushed and sank beneath the ice.

Fortunately, there were no casualties. The crew evacuated the vessel and walked across the ice to the nearby Steamer J.H. BARTOW, which was also stranded in the ice. The AURANIA was carrying a cargo of coal at the time of her loss, underscoring her role in the transportation of essential commodities across the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The AURANIA sank on April 29, 1909, in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, after being crushed by pack ice. The wreck, discovered in 1972, remains a testament to the power of Lake Superior’s icy conditions, which have claimed numerous vessels over the years.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are currently issued for the wreck site of the AURANIA. Divers are advised to approach with caution, as the site may be unstable due to the effects of ice and water currents over the decades.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the AURANIA was located in 1972, but detailed information about its condition and exact depth remains limited. As a steel shipwreck subjected to over a century of submersion in Lake Superior, the vessel’s Hull and structural elements may still be relatively well-preserved compared to wooden wrecks. However, ice damage likely contributed to significant degradation. The site has potential interest for divers and maritime historians seeking to explore the history of Great Lakes shipping.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Bowling Green State University Archives

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Annual List of Merchant Vessels of the United States

•Nordic Diver Expeditions

KEYWORDS

AURANIA, Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, 1909 shipwreck, steel bulk freighter, pack ice sinking, Great Lakes maritime history, Parisienne Island wreck, coal transport, Lake Superior shipwrecks.

ANALYSIS

The loss of the AURANIA highlights the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the icy months when ships could become trapped and crushed by pack ice. This ship’s transition from a Barge to one of the largest steel schooners underscores the evolution of maritime technology and the growing demands of commerce in the late 19th century. Its ultimate demise in 1909, along with the survival of her crew, serves as a stark reminder of both the perils faced by Great Lakes sailors and their resilience in the face of adversity. The AURANIA remains a poignant chapter in the annals of Great Lakes shipping history.