IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Passaic

•Vessel Type: Steam Screw

•Built: 1862, Buffalo, New York

•Location of Incident: Near Dunkirk, Lake Erie

•Date of Incident: November 1, 1891

•Coordinates: Not specifically available

•Cargo: Lumber (insured)

•Vessel Value: $12,000 (no insurance on the Hull)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Passaic was a Steam Screw Vessel, a type of Steamship driven by a screw propeller, widely used for cargo transportation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Built in 1862 in Buffalo, New York, it served for nearly 30 years, transporting goods between ports on Lake Erie. Steam screw vessels like the Passaic were critical to the region’s economy, balancing durability with power to navigate the Great Lakes’ challenging waters.

HISTORY

The Passaic began its service in 1862, becoming a reliable and recognizable part of Lake Erie’s shipping network. For decades, it transported cargo efficiently across the lake, contributing to the bustling trade of the Great Lakes.

On November 1, 1891, the Passaic faced one of the Great Lakes’ notorious gales while carrying a valuable cargo of lumber. The storm forced the vessel aground near Dunkirk, where it broke apart under the relentless force of the waves. Despite the dangerous conditions, the crew safely evacuated to the barges it had in tow (Lima, Hattie, Jeness, and Superior), which remained anchored and weathered the storm successfully.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Passaic was completely destroyed during the incident, breaking into pieces. The wreck’s location was uncertain in the immediate aftermath, and fragments were presumed to have drifted or settled near Dunkirk or Van Buren Point. Lumber from the cargo washed ashore at Van Buren Point, prompting local officials to request permission to collect it. Fortunately, no lives were lost.

The loss of the Passaic was financially significant, especially given that the Hull was uninsured. The vessel’s destruction marked the end of its long and storied service on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the Passaic.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The exact location of the Passaic’s wreck remains uncertain. It was not found immediately following the incident and is presumed to have been scattered near Dunkirk or Van Buren Point.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck is likely scattered and in poor condition, given the violent nature of its destruction. The site has not been identified as a dive location, and accessibility is unknown.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Additional archival records related to shipwrecks on Lake Erie

TAGS

•Passaic

•Steam Screw

•Shipwreck

•Lake Erie

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

•Dunkirk

CONCLUSION

The wreck of the Passaic on November 1, 1891, is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Despite the vessel’s robust construction and long service, it succumbed to a fierce storm, highlighting the unpredictability of Great Lakes weather. The safe evacuation of the crew was a fortunate outcome, but the financial and operational loss of the Passaic left a significant mark on the region’s maritime history. Its story is one of resilience, underscoring both the hazards of Great Lakes navigation and the bravery of the sailors who faced them.