Shipwreck Report: Alpena

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Alpena

•Official Number: 105351

•Type: Steambarge (wooden)

•Build Date: 1874

•Builder: Linn & Craig, Gibraltar, Michigan (Master Carpenter: John Craig)

•Owners:

•Bewick, Comstock & Co. (Detroit, Michigan)

•Alpena Transportation Co.

•Later: Tyler & Co. (Buffalo, NY), Charles Bewick (Detroit), Charles Hebard (Pequaming, Michigan), and Westcott, Mason & Haskell (Detroit and Muskegon, MI)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 154.4 feet (alternatively reported as 168.8 feet)

•Beam: 30.4 feet

•Depth: 10.8 feet

•Gross Tonnage: 369

•Net Tonnage: 285

•Propulsion System: Screw Propulsion, high-pressure engine (27-inch cylinder, 32-inch stroke) from Frontier Iron Works, Detroit.

•Capacity: 800 tons of burden

•Final Location: Approximately three miles below the ship canal in the St. Clair Flats, Lake St. Clair, Michigan

•Date of Wreck: October 26, 1891

Vessel Type Description

The Alpena was a wooden steambarge, part of the fleet designed for transporting heavy bulk cargoes like lumber across the Great Lakes. The vessel was powered by a single Screw Propulsion system and utilized a high-pressure engine built by Frontier Iron Works in Detroit. Its robust wooden Hull and substantial cargo capacity made it an essential part of the maritime trade on the Great Lakes during its era.

History

The Alpena was launched in 1874 as the 12th Hull produced by Linn & Craig of Gibraltar, Michigan. Originally owned by Bewick, Comstock & Co., the vessel played a critical role in lumber transport, a booming industry in Michigan during the late 19th century. Over its operational life, it underwent multiple ownership changes, reflecting its utility and demand in the Great Lakes trade network.

Incidents and Repairs

The Alpena faced several challenges before its final demise:

•April 1890: Ran aground at Detour, Michigan, during a heavy snowstorm. The vessel was subsequently repaired in Detroit.

•June 1891: Suffered engine damage when a cylinder head blew on Lake Erie. Repairs were completed in Detroit under the supervision of Hodges.

Despite these incidents, the Alpena remained in active service, contributing significantly to the transportation of lumber and other goods across the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage and Loss

On October 26, 1891, the Alpena was sailing downbound in the St. Clair Flats of Lake St. Clair, carrying a cargo of lumber. Around 10 p.m., a devastating fire broke out aboard the vessel. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the fire consumed the ship, burning it down to the waterline. The Alpena eventually sank at its location, approximately three miles below the ship canal in the St. Clair Flats. The cause of the fire remains undocumented, but such incidents were not uncommon due to the wooden construction and flammable cargo.

Final Disposition

The Alpena was declared a Total Loss after the fire. The vessel’s remains likely rest submerged in Lake St. Clair near the St. Clair Flats, but the exact condition of the wreck is undocumented. Its sinking marked the end of nearly two decades of service in the Great Lakes maritime industry.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Alpena. However, mariners navigating the St. Clair Flats region should remain aware of submerged hazards in the area.

Located By & Date

The exact wreck site of the Alpena has not been officially documented or located through modern underwater surveys. Its remains are presumed to be at the reported sinking location in the St. Clair Flats.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the wreck is unknown. Given the fire that destroyed the vessel and its wooden construction, significant deterioration is likely. The site may hold limited interest for divers due to its unknown status and lack of precise location.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Bowling Green State University

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Alpena was a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping industry during its 17 years of operation, transporting lumber and other goods across Michigan’s waterways. Its tragic loss in 1891 underscores the hazards faced by 19th-century mariners, including the risks of fire aboard wooden vessels. While the wreck remains largely undocumented, the Alpena’s story contributes to the rich Maritime History of the Great Lakes region.

Tags

#AlpenaShipwreck | #LakeStClairShipwrecks | #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory | #WoodenSteambarge | #StClairFlats | #19thCenturyShipwrecks