Shipwreck Report: Conemaugh

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Conemaugh

• Type: Package Freight Propeller

• Built: August 1880, Wyandotte, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 251 feet (76.5 meters)

• Beam (Width): 36 feet (11 meters)

• Depth: 15.3 feet (4.7 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 1,609 tons

• Net: 1,453 tons

• Propulsion: Nominal horsepower of 1,000

• Final Voyage Date: November 21, 1906

• Final Disposition: Stranded on Point Pelee, Lake Erie

• Coordinates: 41° 54.570’ N, 82° 30.655’ W

• Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)

• Crew: 21 individuals, no casualties

Vessel Type Description

The Conemaugh was a package freight propeller, a type of steam-powered vessel designed for transporting general cargo and manufactured goods across the Great Lakes. Built in 1880, it featured a robust construction with ample cargo capacity. Propeller-driven steamers like the Conemaugh were a cornerstone of Great Lakes shipping, connecting regional ports and supporting trade in raw materials and finished products.

History

Construction & Early Service:

The Conemaugh was constructed in Wyandotte, Michigan, in 1880. Initially registered in Port Huron, Michigan, it was a reliable workhorse for the growing shipping trade on the Great Lakes. The vessel transported a variety of goods, catering to the region’s expanding industries and communities.

Notable Incidents:

The Conemaugh experienced a turbulent service life, marked by various mishaps:

• 1881: Sank in the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan.

• Multiple Collisions & Groundings: The vessel underwent repairs and modifications throughout its career to remain operational despite frequent incidents.

Final Voyage & Loss (1906):

On November 21, 1906, the Conemaugh was navigating Lake Erie when it stranded on Point Pelee, Ontario, during poor weather conditions. The vessel sustained catastrophic damage, breaking into two pieces, and was declared a Total Loss. Fortunately, all 21 individuals on board survived.

Efforts to salvage the wreck began with the dispatch of the Tug Frank W. from Cleveland to retrieve eight cars of dry goods from the stranded vessel. However, rough seas forced the operation to be Abandoned temporarily. Further salvage attempts were planned but were hindered by deteriorating conditions.

Final Disposition

The Conemaugh remains at its stranding site near Point Pelee, Ontario, where it was declared a Total Loss. The wreckage likely lies fragmented in 20 feet of water (6 meters), partially buried in the lakebed due to the vessel’s breakup during the stranding.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the Conemaugh wreck. Its shallow resting depth and proximity to Point Pelee may present hazards to navigation. Mariners are advised to maintain vigilance when traversing the area.

Located By & Date

The wreck was documented shortly after the stranding in 1906. Its precise condition remains unknown, and it has not been subject to significant modern exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The shallow depth of the wreck, combined with its age and exposure to Lake Erie’s currents and sedimentation, suggests that the Conemaugh is heavily deteriorated. The site may be accessible to divers, though Visibility and structural integrity are likely poor. Artifacts from the vessel may still be present at the location.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Maritime Database

• NOAA Shipwreck Listings

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The loss of the Conemaugh highlights the hazards of navigating Lake Erie, particularly around areas like Point Pelee, where shallow waters and strong weather patterns pose significant risks. The vessel’s survival of its crew underscores the importance of effective rescue efforts. Though the Conemaugh has faded into history, its story remains a compelling chapter in the annals of Great Lakes maritime heritage.

Keywords

#Conemaugh #GreatLakesShipwreck #LakeErieWreck #PackageFreightPropeller #PointPelee #MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckResilience #StormWreck