Shipwreck Report: Steam Barge ARCTIC

Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: ARCTIC
• Type: Steam Barge
• Date of Incident: September 5, 1893
• Location: Off White Rock, Lake Huron
• Coordinates: Exact location not specified
• Depth: Not specified; presumed moderate depth
• Condition: Total Loss
• Cargo: Coal, en route from Toledo, Ohio, to Escanaba, Michigan
• Crew: Escaped to the Schooner in tow
• Value: $25,000
• Insured For: $21,000
• GPS Coordinates 43° 41.462′  N 082° 28.712′ W

Vessel Type Description

The ARCTIC was a steam Barge, a vessel type common in the late 19th century, designed for towing and carrying bulk cargoes like coal, ore, and timber. With its steam-powered engine, the ARCTIC was part of the transition from sail to steam, offering enhanced reliability and towing capacity compared to sailing vessels.

History

Built in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio, the ARCTIC was an old but robust vessel by the time of its sinking in 1893. With a Net Tonnage of 411, the Barge was sizable for its class and era. It was owned by Underwood and partners from Menominee, Michigan, and primarily operated as a freighter and towing vessel on the Great Lakes.

On September 5, 1893, the ARCTIC was transporting a cargo of coal from Toledo, Ohio, to Escanaba, Michigan. While traversing Lake Huron near White Rock, the vessel encountered an unspecified problem that led to its sinking. Fortunately, the crew was able to escape to the Schooner it was towing before the ARCTIC went down. Despite its age, the vessel was insured for $21,000, reflecting its continued utility.

The ARCTIC’s sinking marked the end of nearly three decades of service during a time when the Great Lakes were bustling with maritime commerce. The exact cause of the sinking remains unclear from the records, though age and structural fatigue may have been contributing factors.

Final Disposition

The ARCTIC sank off White Rock, Lake Huron, and was declared a Total Loss. The vessel’s remains are presumed to lie on the lakebed. Given the lack of specific depth and location details, the wreck has not been extensively documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the ARCTIC. The wreck does not pose a known hazard to navigation.

Located By & Date

The sinking was reported in 1893, but no precise location or subsequent discovery of the wreck has been documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the ARCTIC has not been located or explored extensively. If it remains intact, it is likely in moderate-depth waters off White Rock in Lake Huron, but its exact condition is unknown.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• 3DShipwrecks – Artic
• Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve

Conclusion

The loss of the ARCTIC is a testament to the challenges of maritime operations on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. While its exact cause remains a mystery, the survival of its crew underscores the resilience of Great Lakes sailors. The wreck of the ARCTIC remains a part of the underwater history of Lake Huron, awaiting further exploration.

Keywords

#SteamBargeARCTIC #LakeHuronShipwreck #WhiteRockWreck #19thCenturyShipping #GreatLakesHistory #CoalTransport #MaritimeInsurance #MenomineeOwnership

3D Model