Erin

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Erin

• Type: Steambarge

• Year Built: 1881

• Builder: Louis Shickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario

• Initial Owners: Thomas and John Conlon, St. Catharines, Ontario

• Hull Material: Wood

• Decks: 1.5

• Masts: Two

Dimensions and Tonnage

• Length: 142 feet (43.3 meters)

• Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)

• Depth: 12.6 feet (3.8 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 392.49 tons

• Net Tonnage: 235.33 tons

Engine Specifications

• Type: High-pressure steam engine

• Cylinder Dimensions: 24 inches by 30 inches

• Horsepower: 75 HP

• Manufacturer: George N. Oille

Final Location

• Wreck Site: St. Clair River, approximately one mile below Courtwright, Ontario.

• Depth: Not specified, but the wreck was dynamited to clear the channel.

• Split Location:

• One half lies in American waters, the other in Canadian waters.

History

Construction and Early Service

Built in 1881, the Erin served as a multipurpose steambarge on the Great Lakes, transporting cargo and supporting trade between Ontario and other Great Lakes ports.

Incidents and Modifications

• December 1884: Wrecked at Gull Rock, Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior; released with the aid of tugs A.J. Smith and Gladiator.

• 1886: Rebuilt and lengthened by 37 feet in Collingwood, Ontario; steel arches were added to enhance structural integrity.

• June 11, 1887: Collided with the schooner Ellen Williams, causing damage to both vessels.

• May 1896: Struck by lightning on Lake Erie, breaking two masts.

• November 8, 1903: Foundered off Whitefish Point, Lake Superior; later refloated.

• April 7, 1905: Fire in Sandwich, Ontario, Detroit River.

Final Incident: May 31, 1906

The Erin collided with the steamer John B. Cowle in the St. Clair River, approximately one mile below Courtwright, Ontario. The collision nearly severed the Erin in two, causing it to sink immediately in the center of the river.

• Fatalities: Five crew members lost their lives in the tragedy.

• Wreckage: The vessel split, with one half in Canadian waters and the other in American waters. To clear the busy waterway, the wreck was dynamited soon after the incident.

• Registry Closure: January 19, 1907.

Significance

The sinking of the Erin garnered national attention, highlighting the dangers of navigating the heavily trafficked waters of the St. Clair River. The tragedy underscores the perilous nature of early Great Lakes shipping and the significant loss of life that could result from collisions.

Current Condition and Accessibility

The wreck of the Erin was dynamited to clear the navigation channel. While fragmented remains may exist on the riverbed, they are likely buried under sediment and difficult to locate. The division of the wreckage between American and Canadian waters adds further complexity to its exploration.

Notable Legacy

The Erin is remembered for its eventful career, marked by repeated rebuilding, collisions, and structural modifications. Its history reflects the challenges faced by wooden steambarges operating on the Great Lakes during a period of rapid industrialization and heavy maritime traffic.

Resources & Links

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive documentation of the Erin’s operational history and final incident.

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the Erin.

3. Local Newspaper Archives: Coverage of the collision with the John B. Cowle, providing contemporary accounts of the tragedy.

Keywords

Erin, Steambarge, St. Clair River Shipwreck, John B. Cowle Collision, Great Lakes Maritime History, Louis Shickluna, Wooden Hull, 1906 Shipwreck.