Celtic Shipwreck

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Celtic

• Type: Propeller-driven passenger and package freighter

• Construction: Wooden Hull

• Year Built: 1874

• Builder: A. Robertson, Hamilton, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 131 feet (40 meters)

• Beam: 21 feet (6.4 meters)

• Depth: 14.7 feet (4.5 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 698 tons

• Net: 440 tons

• Propulsion:

• Low-pressure steam engine

• Single cylinder, single propeller

• Engine: 237 horsepower, operating at 80 revolutions per minute

• Boiler: Three-furnace return-tube boiler, wood-fueled

• Owner: McKay’s Sons, Hamilton, Ontario

• Master: Captain John Clifford

• Final Location: Lake Erie, 15 miles off Rondeau Point

• Coordinates: Not precisely recorded

• Depth: Deep water

• Year of Loss: 1892

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Celtic was a wooden passenger and package freighter designed for versatility on the Great Lakes. As a multipurpose vessel, it transported passengers, cargo, and package freight between key ports such as Montreal and Chicago. Its role also included government contracts, such as supplying lighthouses, and special cargo missions, such as transporting dynamite for the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Its construction and propulsion system typified the reliable yet vulnerable vessels of its era.

HISTORY

Built in 1874, the Celtic was an integral part of Great Lakes shipping. Its service extended across major trade routes, linking industrial and commercial hubs on both sides of the Canadian-American border. In addition to passenger services, it carried various goods, showcasing the importance of such vessels in supporting the regional economy.

The Celtic was notable for its role in lighthouse resupply missions and other government operations. As part of the Canadian Pacific Railroad’s logistics network, it carried specialized cargo like dynamite, demonstrating its versatility and importance in various sectors.

FINAL VOYAGE & SINKING

On May 1, 1892, the Celtic was navigating Lake Erie in dense fog when it collided with the Steamer Russia approximately 15 miles off Rondeau Point. The collision resulted in catastrophic damage, and the Celtic sank rapidly, becoming a Total Loss. The tragedy claimed the life of one crew member, Margaret Strand, the ship’s cook.

The remaining 18 crew members were rescued by the Russia, which itself sustained heavy damage and had to be beached to prevent sinking. The incident underscored the perils of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in poor Visibility conditions.

Newspapers such as the Buffalo Enquirer and Chicago Inter-Ocean extensively covered the collision, bringing attention to the risks faced by mariners on the inland seas.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Celtic lies in deep water in Lake Erie near the site of the collision, making salvage efforts impractical. The vessel’s sinking marked the end of its nearly two-decade-long service on the Great Lakes.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck site of the Celtic has not been extensively documented or explored. Its location in deep water and the passage of time suggest that significant deterioration has occurred. Diving opportunities are limited, and the exact coordinates remain unverified.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Celtic, as it does not pose a known navigational hazard.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive data on Great Lakes vessels, including the Celtic.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed shipwreck information.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical archives and ship records.

• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes – Mills List: Information on Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.

• Bowling Green State University: Archives related to maritime history.

CONCLUSION

The Celtic exemplifies the crucial role of 19th-century freighters in shaping the commerce and connectivity of the Great Lakes. Despite its tragic end in 1892, the vessel’s story highlights the challenges faced by mariners navigating unpredictable waters and the hazards of dense fog. Today, the Celtic remains a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history, symbolizing the era’s technological advancements and the persistent dangers of life on the inland seas.

Keywords:

Celtic shipwreck, Lake Erie shipwreck, Great Lakes maritime history, Rondeau Point, 19th-century freighters, Canadian Steamer, package freighter collision, shipwreck exploration