Identification & Site Information

•Name: R.G. Coburn

•Type: Propeller Steamer

•Built: 1870

•Builder: Not specified

•Tonnage: 857 tons

•Dimensions: Not recorded

•Owner: Atlantic, Duluth, and Pacific Steamboat Line

•Cargo: Wheat and flour, consigned to various destinations

•Final Location: Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

•Date of Wreck: October 15, 1871

•Depth: Wreck location unknown, debris scattered ashore near Kincardine, Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The R.G. Coburn was a Propeller Steamer, a type of vessel equipped with a Screw Propulsion system, which was increasingly common for cargo and passenger transport on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Built in 1870, the R.G. Coburn was a relatively new vessel, specifically designed to handle the growing freight and passenger trade on Lake Superior. With a tonnage of 857, it was among the larger steamers of its class, optimized for carrying bulk goods such as wheat and flour.

History

The R.G. Coburn embarked on its ill-fated journey from Duluth in October 1871, carrying a significant cargo of wheat and flour destined for various ports. The vessel was part of the Atlantic, Duluth, and Pacific Steamboat Line, a key player in the commercial transport network of the Great Lakes. Under the command of Captain Gilbert DeMont, the ship had become a familiar sight along its routes, reliably connecting remote ports with major trade centers.

On October 15, 1871, the R.G. Coburn encountered one of the fiercest gales of the year in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. The storm’s relentless winds and towering waves proved too much for the vessel, which lost its rudder and became unmanageable. Falling into the troughs of the waves, the Steamer was battered by the elements until it succumbed to the lake’s icy grip.

Casualties and Survivors

The disaster claimed the lives of approximately 45 individuals, including Captain DeMont and every officer except the second mate. The loss extended to the captain’s family, leaving his five children orphaned. A total of 18 survivors, including some passengers and crew, were rescued by the propeller Keweenaw, a sister ship in the same fleet.

Efforts to abandon the ship were hampered by the storm’s ferocity. While the vessel was equipped with sufficient life-saving apparatus and wooden boats, the two metallic lifeboats were found unused, their occupants likely overwhelmed by the cold and waves. Tragically, two crew members were discovered deceased near these lifeboats, underscoring the storm’s deadly intensity.

Impact and Aftermath

The sinking of the R.G. Coburn sent shockwaves across the Great Lakes communities. The loss of life, valuable cargo, and the vessel itself dealt a significant emotional and economic blow to Detroit and other ports. Barrels of flour and other wreckage washed ashore in Kincardine, Ontario, and neighboring areas, a stark reminder of the scale of the disaster.

The R.G. Coburn’s demise highlighted the perilous nature of maritime travel on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and limited navigational aids posed constant threats to vessels and their crews. This tragedy served as a catalyst for renewed discussions on improving safety measures for Great Lakes shipping, though substantial reforms would take years to materialize.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the R.G. Coburn has not been definitively located. Debris and cargo from the ship were found along the shores near Kincardine, Ontario, but the vessel’s final resting place likely remains in the depths of Saginaw Bay.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the R.G. Coburn. However, mariners should remain cautious when navigating in Saginaw Bay due to its history of shipwrecks and challenging weather conditions.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records and insights into the R.G. Coburn and similar vessels

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed entries for shipwrecks on the Great Lakes

•Local Historical Societies: For archives and firsthand accounts of the 1871 disaster

Conclusion

The sinking of the R.G. Coburn remains one of the Great Lakes’ most harrowing maritime tragedies. The loss of life and cargo, coupled with the emotional toll on survivors and communities, underscores the inherent risks faced by 19th-century mariners. While the wreck itself remains undiscovered, the story of the R.G. Coburn endures, a testament to the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes and the enduring legacy of those who braved its waters.