Shipwreck Report: ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Names: ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA.
• Wreck Types: Steamers.
• Date of Sinking: November 7, 1893.
• Location: Off Point Aux Barques, Lake Huron.
• Depth of Wrecks: Approximately 200 feet (61 meters).
• Coordinates: Not precisely documented; located near Point Aux Barques.

Vessel Information

ALBANY:

• Construction: Steel Steamer, built in 1884 by the Detroit Dry-Dock Company.
• Dimensions: Large vessel with advanced design for its era.
• Cargo: Grain (transporting from Chicago and Milwaukee to Buffalo).
• Value: Estimated at $175,000.
• Owner: Western Transportation Company, Buffalo.
• Rating: A1 in Inland Lloyds, denoting top-tier condition and insurability.

PHILADELPHIA:

• Construction: Iron Steamer, built in 1867 by David Bell.
• Dimensions: Smaller than the ALBANY, designed for versatile cargo.
• Cargo: Coal and general merchandise (from Buffalo).
• Value: Estimated at $90,000.
• Owner: Anchor Line, Buffalo.
• Rating: A2 in Inland Lloyds, reflecting good condition.

Incident Overview

On November 7, 1893, under dense fog conditions, the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA collided off Point Aux Barques, Lake Huron: Collision: The PHILADELPHIA struck the ALBANY head-on, forward of its No. 2 gangway, causing severe structural damage to both vessels. Sinking: The ALBANY sank shortly after the collision PHILADELPHIA drifted and sank 30 minutes later.

Rescue Efforts and Casualties

Rescue Efforts: Crews of both vessels evacuated into two lifeboats. One lifeboat, carrying both captains and 20 crew members, reached Point Aux Barques safely the next morning.

Casualties: Conflicting reports: Some accounts indicate no loss of life. Other reports suggest eight lives lost, with 13 bodies recovered and 10 individuals unaccounted for, a second lifeboat is believed to have been tragically struck by the drifting PHILADELPHIA.

Final Disposition

Both vessels rest at the bottom of Lake Huron:

Depth: Approximately 200 feet (61 meters).

ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA remain largely undocumented, with exact wreck locations not widely known.

Legacy

The collision of the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA highlights the inherent dangers of Great Lakes navigation, particularly in the era before modern navigation tools. This incident underscores the hazards posed by dense fog, the critical need for communication between vessels, and the risks mariners faced daily.

The wrecks symbolize a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, reflecting the technological evolution and vulnerabilities of 19th-century shipping.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Historical Vessels Database: Link
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
• 3DShipwrecks
• Great Lakes Ships: Link
• Wikipedia – Point Aux Barques

Conclusion

The collision between the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by early mariners on the Great Lakes. Their loss remains a subject of intrigue for historians and divers, offering insight into the challenges of 19th-century maritime commerce. The wrecks rest as silent witnesses to one of Lake Huron’s most tragic shipping disasters.

Albany by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab