The Steam Screw MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 was a significant vessel that met a tragic fate in Lake Erie. Officially numbered 202514, the ship was of 2,514 gross tons and 1,484 net tons, measuring 338 feet in length, 54 feet in width, and 19.5 feet in height. Built in 1905 at Cleveland, Ohio, it served in the passenger service with a crew of 30 and had an impressive power of 2,400 indicated horsepower. The ship was owned and operated by the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company and had its home port in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 had a relatively successful history before facing its unfortunate demise. It was classified as a freighter service with a crew of 21 in 1909, indicating its versatility in cargo transportation. However, tragedy struck the vessel on December 7, 1909, when it sank in Lake Erie with all hands lost.
On its final voyage from Conneaut, Ohio, to Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada, the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 encountered a severe gale that led to its sinking off Long Point, known as the “Graveyard of the Lakes.” Despite the crew’s training and preparations, the heavy seas proved too much for the ship, and it is believed that the coal cars being transported onboard broke loose, causing the vessel to capsize rapidly. Captain John McLeod and the entire crew of 31 tragically lost their lives.
In the aftermath of the disaster, rescue efforts were carried out, and some bodies were recovered, frozen in lifeboats near Erie, Pennsylvania, and Port Colborne, Ontario. However, not all of the 32 crew members were found. The ship’s wreckage remained elusive for several years, with various reports of sightings and efforts to locate it.
The sinking of the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 left a lasting impact on the Great Lakes maritime history, serving as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and vessels in the unpredictable waters of the lakes. Over the years, the ship’s story has been revisited, and efforts have been made to uncover its final resting place.
Today, the MARQUETTE AND BESSEMER No. 2 stands as a somber reminder of the perils faced by sailors and the importance of safety measures at sea. The ship’s tragic fate continues to be a part of the region’s maritime lore and history.
