Identification & Site Information
•Name: Bannockburn
•Other Names: Yard No 386, Great Lakes “Flying Dutchman,” Ghost Ship of the Great Lakes
•Type: Steel Canaller
•Tonnage: Gross: 1,619.56 tons; Net: 1,034.79 tons
•Length: 245.0 feet (74.7 meters)
•Location: Still missing, last seen near Passage Island, Lake Superior
•Year of Loss: November 21, 1902
•Coordinates: Not available
•Depth: Unknown
Vessel Type Description
The Bannockburn, launched on April 20, 1893, by Sir Raylton Dixon & Co. Ltd. in Middlesbrough, UK, was a steel-hulled canaller built specifically for Great Lakes navigation. Its design featured a Clinker-built Hull with an elliptical Stern and double bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg, ensuring robust construction for bulk cargo transport. Powered by a triple expansion engine producing 1,182 indicated horsepower, the Bannockburn was well-equipped for its role in grain transport along the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes.
History
The Bannockburn had a history marred by accidents and mishaps, including multiple groundings and a sinking. Notable incidents include:
•April 27, 1897: Ran aground near Kingston, Ontario.
•October 20, 1897: Sank in the Welland Canal.
•1898–1899: Grounded on Lake Huron and at Port Colborne.
On November 20, 1902, the Bannockburn departed Fort William, Ontario (modern-day Thunder Bay), bound for Midland, Ontario, carrying 85,000 bushels of grain. After briefly running aground and returning to port for inspection, it set out again the next day. The ship was last seen near Passage Island by the Steamer Algonquin. No distress signals were reported, and the Bannockburn disappeared without a trace.
The disappearance claimed the lives of 20–22 crew members and has since become a part of Great Lakes folklore, earning the ship the title “Flying Dutchman of the Great Lakes.”
Final Disposition
The Bannockburn vanished on November 21, 1902, with no wreckage or survivors recovered. Despite extensive searches and occasional claims of sightings, its resting place remains undiscovered, contributing to its legacy as a ghost ship.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Bannockburn. Its presumed location in Lake Superior remains a mystery.
Located By & Date
The wreck of the Bannockburn has not been located. It disappeared in 1902 and remains one of the most enduring unsolved mysteries of Lake Superior.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As the wreck has not been found, its condition and accessibility are unknown. If located, the Bannockburn would likely rest at a significant depth in Lake Superior, requiring advanced exploration technology.
Resources & Links
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Additional Notes
The Bannockburn’s mysterious disappearance, combined with its earlier history of mishaps, has cemented its status as a maritime legend. Sightings of a ghostly ship on Lake Superior have kept the story alive, fueling speculation about its final moments and location.
Conclusion
The Bannockburn is a stark reminder of the hazards of Great Lakes navigation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As one of the Great Lakes’ most famous ghost ships, it continues to captivate maritime historians and enthusiasts, symbolizing the enduring mysteries of the vast inland seas.
Keywords: Lake Superior, Steel Canaller, Maritime Mystery, Ghost Ship, Bannockburn Disappearance, Great Lakes History
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