Identification & Site Information

• Name: BROOKLYN

• Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel

• Year Built: 1866

• Builder: Unknown

• Construction Location: Cleveland, Ohio

• Official Number: 2151

• Dimensions:

• Length: 136.6 feet (41.6 m)

• Beam: 25.1 feet (7.6 m)

• Depth: 12 feet (3.7 m)

• Tonnage: Gross: 466.38 tons

• Final Location: Detroit River near Fighting Island, Michigan

• Date of Loss: October 22, 1874

Vessel Type Description

The BROOKLYN was a wooden propeller-driven Steamship built for passenger and package freight transport. Equipped with a high-pressure engine manufactured by Cuyahoga Iron Works, the vessel was capable of speeds between 13–15 mph, making it one of the fastest boats of its time. It was owned by the Northern Transportation Co. and was used to transport both passengers and a variety of goods, including leather and marble.

History

Built in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1866, the BROOKLYN quickly became a valuable asset for the Northern Transportation Co., serving as a fast and reliable vessel for passenger and freight transport on the Great Lakes. The ship’s high-pressure engine, along with its sleek design, made it a formidable competitor in the bustling maritime trade of the region.

Incident Overview

On October 22, 1874, the BROOKLYN was racing the Steamer EMPIRE on the Detroit River near Fighting Island, Michigan, when disaster struck. The ship’s boiler exploded violently, blowing off the aft section of the vessel. The BROOKLYN sank quickly, resulting in the tragic loss of 22 lives. Reports on the exact casualty numbers vary, with estimates ranging from 13 to 22 deaths.

Cause of Explosion

An investigation revealed that the second engineer had allowed the water level in the boiler to drop dangerously low as the vessel attempted to overtake the Steamer CUBA. The increased steam pressure caused by the race led to catastrophic failure, resulting in one of the deadliest maritime accidents on the Detroit River.

Salvage Efforts

In November 1874, the BROOKLYN was raised, but it sank again shortly afterward. Salvagers noted that the ship’s engine had been blown clear of the Hull, and the aft section of the ship had been destroyed. Despite multiple attempts to recover its machinery and cargo, much of the vessel remained unrecovered.

Final Disposition

The BROOKLYN was heavily damaged by the explosion and was not restored to service. It was raised and sank again during salvage attempts, and no further recovery efforts were successful. The wreck remains in the Detroit River near Fighting Island, its precise location and condition largely undocumented.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: The wreck is not listed as a navigational hazard, and no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the site.

Located By & Date

The wreck site was identified shortly after the explosion, but its precise modern location is unclear.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the BROOKLYN likely remains scattered and degraded due to the explosion and subsequent salvage attempts. The vessel’s current condition and accessibility for diving or exploration are unknown.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• The New York Times (historic articles on the disaster)

Conclusion

The BROOKLYN stands as a tragic reminder of the dangers of early Steamship racing and the catastrophic consequences of pushing engineering limits. From its construction in 1866 to its destruction in 1874, the vessel served as a testament to the rapid advancements in maritime technology and the risks inherent in the competitive spirit of Great Lakes shipping. Its loss marked a turning point in safety awareness for steam-powered vessels in the region.

Keywords

BROOKLYN, wooden propeller vessel, Detroit River, boiler explosion, Fighting Island, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century shipwreck, Steamship racing disaster, Northern Transportation Co.