IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: O.E. Parks

•Vessel Type: Barge (Freighter)

•Official Number: 155208

•Year Built: 1891

•Built At: Saugatuck, Michigan

•Final Location: Near Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron

•Date of Loss: May 3, 1929

•Cause of Loss: Foundered

•Cargo: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The O.E. Parks was a wooden-hulled freight Barge built in 1891, designed to transport bulk cargo on the Great Lakes. With a length of 134.4 feet (41 meters), a beam of 24.7 feet (7.5 meters), and a depth of 11 feet (3.4 meters), the Barge had a Gross Tonnage of 392 tons. Operated under the registry of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the O.E. Parks was typically towed by another vessel and manned by a small crew of four.

HISTORY

The O.E. Parks served as a reliable workhorse of the Great Lakes for nearly four decades, contributing to the vital trade routes that sustained industries in the region. Owned by Samuel Shields, the Barge was a common sight on the lakes, carrying bulk cargoes such as coal, lumber, and grain.

On May 3, 1929, the O.E. Parks Foundered near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. The exact cause of the sinking is unclear, but the Barge encountered difficulties severe enough to lead to its loss. Despite the harrowing circumstances, all nine individuals aboard were rescued, and no lives were lost.

The waters around Thunder Bay Island are infamous for their challenging navigation conditions, frequent storms, and treacherous shoals, making it a hotspot for shipwrecks.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The O.E. Parks sank near Thunder Bay Island and was declared a Total Loss. There is no record of salvage attempts or the depth at which the wreck lies. Its remains are presumed to rest on the lakebed, contributing to the area’s rich history of shipwrecks.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The exact location of the wreck has not been determined, and no precise coordinates are available. The wreck is generally believed to lie near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Current Notices: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the O.E. Parks. However, Thunder Bay Island remains an area with navigational hazards due to numerous historical shipwrecks.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database

•NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

KEYWORDS

•O.E. Parks Barge

•Thunder Bay Island shipwreck

•Lake Huron wrecks

•Great Lakes maritime history

•Foundered freighter

CONCLUSION

The sinking of the O.E. Parks on May 3, 1929, highlights the risks faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes, especially in areas like Thunder Bay Island, known for its hazardous conditions. While the loss of the Barge did not result in any fatalities, it underscores the dangers of maritime trade during this era. The O.E. Parks adds to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes shipwreck history and serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who worked on these challenging waters.

GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO

Although specific coordinates for the O.E. Parks wreck are not available, its location near Thunder Bay Island places it within an area of significant maritime heritage. Mariners and researchers should be aware of the historical importance of this region and consult up-to-date NOTMARs when navigating in these waters.