Other Names #
- J. R. BENSON,
A Fateful Tale of Sinking and Resilience #
Introduction:
The James R. Benson, also known as J. R. BENSON, was a wooden barge with a storied history on the Great Lakes. Originally built in 1873 as a schooner in St. Catharines, Ontario, the vessel served various owners and underwent several transformations throughout its existence. Unfortunately, the James R. Benson met a tragic fate, sinking in Lake Erie on June 20, 1899, off Cedar Point in Sandusky Bay. Despite the loss, the crew managed to escape in the vessel’s yawl, and subsequent efforts were made to remove or flatten the wreck due to its threat to navigation.
The Construction and Evolution of the James R. Benson:
In 1873, the James R. Benson was constructed as a wooden schooner in St. Catharines, Ontario, by shipbuilder L. Shickluna. The vessel measured 139 feet in length, 24 feet in width, and 12 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 370. Initially launched as a schooner, the James R. Benson underwent changes over the years and eventually served as a barge.
The Sinking and Escaping the James R. Benson:
On June 20, 1899, while en route from Lorain to Amherstburg, Ontario, via Sandusky, the James R. Benson encountered a disastrous event. The barge, laden with 802 tons of coal, sprang a leak and swiftly sank in 20 feet of water off Cedar Point in Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie. Despite the vessel’s demise, the entire crew managed to escape to safety using the vessel’s yawl. Thankfully, there was no loss of life in this unfortunate incident.
Efforts to Address the Wreckage:
After the sinking, the wreck of the James R. Benson posed a hazard to navigation, leading to its removal or flattening. In 1900, the wreck was dynamited, effectively eliminating the threat it posed to passing vessels. These measures aimed to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in the area, mitigating the potential for further accidents or damage.
Previous Misfortune:
The James R. Benson had previously encountered misfortune on Lake Erie in 1883 when it capsized and foundered during a squall off Erie Point. During this incident, one life was lost, highlighting the vessel’s history of perilous encounters.
Ownership and Operations:
At the time of its sinking in 1899, the James R. Benson was owned by the Cuddy-Mullen Coal Co. of Amherstburg, Ontario. The barge was primarily engaged in transporting coal, playing a vital role in the region’s maritime commerce.
Conclusion:
The James R. Benson, a wooden barge with a history as a schooner, met its tragic end in Lake Erie on June 20, 1899. While carrying a cargo of coal, the vessel sprang a leak and sank off Cedar Point in Sandusky Bay. Fortunately, the entire crew managed to escape using the vessel’s yawl. Efforts were subsequently made to remove or flatten the wreck, ensuring the safety of navigation in the area. The story of the James R. Benson serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels and crews on the Great Lakes and the resilience displayed in the face of adversity.
