Identification & Site Information:
- Name(s): Oscar T. Flint
- Registry: United States
- Official Number: Not Available
- Vessel Type: Wood Steam Barge
- Builder: Simon Langell
- Place Built: St. Clair, Michigan
- Year Built: 1889
- Hull Material: Wood
- Masts: None
- Engines: None
- Dimensions Length: 218 ft (66.4 m) Width: 37 ft (11.3 m)
- Depth: Not documented
Vessel Type
The Oscar T. Flint was a wood-hulled steam Barge designed for carrying bulk cargo, commonly used on the Great Lakes for transporting goods such as timber, coal, or limestone.
Description
Built in 1889, the Oscar T. Flint was one of many wooden steam barges constructed to meet the growing demands of bulk cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. These vessels, combining steam propulsion with wooden construction, were highly versatile for the era.
On September 25, 1909, shortly after departing Alpena, Michigan, the vessel caught fire under uncertain circumstances. The crew Abandoned ship as the flames consumed the vessel. It burned to the waterline and was declared a Total Loss about four miles east of the Thunder Bay River. Despite the severity of the incident, the crew survived.
Final Dispositions
The wreck lies in 25 ft (7.6 m) of water in Lake Huron, near the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Much of the Hull remains intact, including a large portion of the bow and the limestone cargo. Some modifications to the wreck were made post-sinking; the boiler was dynamited, and the propeller is buried beneath the Stern post. Anchors and a Windlass, reportedly salvaged from the Schooner Lucinda Van Valkenburg, are also located at the bow.
Located By & Date Found
The site has been well-documented by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which works to preserve and interpret historic shipwrecks in the area. The wreck is a popular site for divers, offering an accessible glimpse into maritime history.
NOTMARs & Advisories
The shallow depth of the site makes it suitable for exploration by recreational divers and snorkelers. However, divers should be cautious around the fragile wreck to preserve its historical integrity.
Resources & Links
3D Models – Oscar T. Flint
Oscar T Flint by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Flint Shipwreck by DeepSeaBEE on Sketchfab
Keywords, Categories, Glossary
Keywords: Oscar T. Flint, Lake Huron Shipwrecks, Thunder Bay, Wood Steam Barge
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Steam Barges
Glossary: Windlass, Stern Post, Dynamited Boiler, Limestone Cargo
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