Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Marquette and Bessemer No. 2
• Type: Steam Screw Freighter
• Official Number: 202514
• Year Built: 1905
• Builder: American Ship Building Company, Cleveland, Ohio
• Owner: Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company
• Home Port: Erie, Pennsylvania
• Gross Tonnage: 2,514 tons
• Net Tonnage: 1,484 tons
• Dimensions: 338 feet (103 meters) length, 54 feet (16.5 meters) beam, 19.5 feet (5.9 meters) depth
• Propulsion: Steam-powered, 2,400 horsepower
• Final Resting Place: Lake Erie, near Long Point (“Graveyard of the Lakes”)
• Depth of Wreck: Exact location and depth remain undiscovered.

Vessel Type Description

The Marquette and Bessemer No. 2 was a state-of-the-art freighter built in 1905 to transport railroad cars, coal, and other bulk cargo across Lake Erie. With its robust steel Hull and powerful engines, the vessel epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgized the technological advancements of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping. It was a critical asset for the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company, facilitating industrial transportation between Conneaut, Ohio, and Port Stanley, Ontario.

History

Construction and Service

Launched in 1905 by the American Ship Building Company in Cleveland, the Marquette and Bessemer No. 2 was one of the largest and most powerful freighters on the Great Lakes. Its Screw Propulsion system, powered by 2,400 horsepower engines, enabled it to carry heavy loads efficiently, including coal-laden railcars.

Over its operational years, the vessel gained a reputation for reliability and became a vital link in the industrial network of the Great Lakes. Initially designed for both passenger and cargo services, it transitioned to primarily cargo transport as industrial demand surged.

Final Voyage

On December 7, 1909, the Marquette and Bessemer No. 2 departed Conneaut, Ohio, bound for Port Stanley, Ontario, carrying a load of coal cars. As the vessel approached Long Point, known for its treacherous conditions, it encountered a fierce gale. The ship and its 32 crew members disappeared beneath the storm-tossed waters of Lake Erie.

Tragic Outcome

Search and rescue efforts began immediately, but they yielded few results. Lifeboats from the vessel were later found near Erie, Pennsylvania, and Port Colborne, Ontario, with some crew members frozen aboard. Despite these grim discoveries, the majority of the crew and the wreck itself remained elusive.

The storm that claimed the Marquette and Bessemer No. 2 was one of the deadliest on Lake Erie, cementing the area’s reputation as the “Graveyard of the Lakes.”

Final Disposition

The Marquette and Bessemer No. 2 sank in Lake Erie near Long Point, where it is presumed to rest at significant depth. Repeated efforts to locate the wreck have been unsuccessful, and its exact location remains a mystery.

Search Efforts

Numerous searches, including sonar expeditions, have been conducted, but the wreck has not been conclusively identified. It is believed to lie in deep water, possibly buried under silt and debris, making its recovery and exploration particularly challenging.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The presumed depth of the wreck and the poor Visibility in Lake Erie render the site inaccessible to divers. The harsh conditions of the lake, including strong currents and sediment accumulation, further complicate exploration efforts.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck site.

• Mariners navigating near Long Point are advised to exercise caution due to the region’s history of storms and shipwrecks.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Maritime History: Comprehensive details on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Database of Great Lakes wrecks.

• National Museum of the Great Lakes: Archival and historical resources.

Analysis

The Marquette and Bessemer No. 2 exemplifies the industrial might and maritime risks of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping. Its tragic loss underscores the dangers of navigating Lake Erie, particularly near Long Point. The ship’s disappearance remains a haunting mystery, symbolizing the unpredictability of the Great Lakes and the courage of those who worked on them.

As technology advances, hope persists that the wreck will one day be located, providing closure to this century-old tragedy. Until then, the story of the Marquette and Bessemer No. 2 stands as a poignant chapter in maritime history.