Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: E. K. BRUCE

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Built: 1848, by Bidwell & Banta, Buffalo, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 119 feet (36.3 meters)

• Beam: 25 feet (7.6 meters)

• Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)

• Tonnage: 240 gross tons

• Owner: William Buckley, Buffalo, New York

• Final Location: 1.5 miles west of Oswego harbor, Lake Ontario

• Date of Wreck: October 1853

Vessel Type Description

The E. K. BRUCE was a wooden Schooner, a common vessel type during the mid-19th century. Designed for durability and efficiency, schooners like the E. K. BRUCE were crucial for transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. This vessel was particularly valued for its robust construction and steady performance, making it an essential component of the regional shipping trade.

History

Built in Buffalo, New York, in 1848, the E. K. BRUCE was named after Mr. Bruce, a notable figure in Fox & Bruce, a prominent firm of the time. The vessel quickly gained recognition for its reliability and craftsmanship, serving its owners and shippers effectively for several years.

In October 1853, the Schooner embarked on what would be its final voyage. Laden with 1,300 pieces of Railroad Iron, the vessel departed Oswego harbor bound for Toledo, Ohio. The journey commenced under adverse conditions, with a fierce northwest gale sweeping across Lake Ontario.

Tragedy struck when the Schooner’s jib split, and the relentless storm forced it onto the rocky shoreline just 1.5 miles west of Oswego harbor. The vessel was at the mercy of heavy waves, which pounded its wooden Hull relentlessly.

The Schooner faced additional challenges due to the desertion of its captain shortly before the voyage. The captain not only Abandoned his responsibilities but also stole the ship’s funds, leaving the mate in charge during the perilous journey.

Final Disposition

The E. K. BRUCE was ultimately destroyed by the storm. Within days, the Schooner broke apart under the relentless assault of the waves. Efforts to salvage the wreck resulted in the recovery of some rigging and the valuable cargo of Railroad Iron, but the ship itself was deemed a Total Loss.

The vessel’s value at the time was estimated at $8,000, a significant sum in the mid-19th century. It is likely that the Schooner was insured, offering its owner, William Buckley, some financial compensation for the loss.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no modern Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site of the E. K. BRUCE. Given its age and the level of destruction described, the wreckage is unlikely to pose a navigation hazard today.

Located By & Date

The exact location of the wreck is unconfirmed beyond the report of it being 1.5 miles west of Oswego harbor. No known recovery or archaeological investigations of the site have been documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The E. K. BRUCE is presumed to be in a severely deteriorated state, with little remaining of its original structure. The location, near Oswego harbor, suggests the wreckage may be scattered or buried under sediment. It is unlikely to serve as a significant dive site or point of interest for modern exploration.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed archival records and historical accounts of Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.

• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser: Published details on the Schooner’s construction and history.

• Oswego Daily Commercial Times: Contemporary reports of the wreck and salvage efforts.

• Buffalo Morning Express and Erie Dispatch: Casualty lists and related updates.

Conclusion

The E. K. BRUCE stands as a testament to the dangers faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Its tragic loss highlights the challenges of navigating these waters, particularly in stormy conditions. Though little may remain of the Schooner itself, its story contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario and the enduring legacy of Great Lakes shipping.

Keywords

• E. K. BRUCE

• Oswego harbor

• Schooner

• Lake Ontario

• 19th-century shipwreck

• Great Lakes maritime history

• William Buckley

• Railroad Iron cargo

• Storm wreck

• Maritime salvage