IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The PHILIP MINCH was a steam-powered freighter designed for bulk cargo transportation across the Great Lakes. Built to endure the rigors of Great Lakes navigation, the vessel was a vital part of the shipping industry, primarily transporting coal and other goods. With a gross tonnage of 3,000 tons, the PHILIP MINCH was a formidable presence on the water, serving the Minch Co. of Fairport, Ohio, for many years before meeting its tragic end.
HISTORY
On November 20, 1904, the PHILIP MINCH set out on what would be its final voyage. Departing from Conneaut, Ohio, on a Saturday, the steamer was en route to its next port to load coal. However, disaster struck approximately 8 miles east of Marblehead Light, Lake Erie, when a fire was detected in the stern of the ship.
The crew, despite their best efforts, could not contain the rapidly spreading fire. As the flames consumed the vessel, Captain B. A. Benson made the critical decision to abandon ship. At around 2:00 AM, the crew successfully lowered the yawl boats and evacuated the burning vessel. The crew of 17 men reached Sandusky, Ohio, safely but lost all of their personal belongings in the process.
The PHILIP MINCH, a vessel that had faithfully served its owners for many years, was completely destroyed by the fire. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the consequences were devastating for the ship and its crew.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The wreck of the PHILIP MINCH was later discovered by Captain Otto Biemiller of the tug THISTLE in Canadian waters, approximately 6 miles east of Chickenole Reef and near Middle Island. The wreck lay in 45 feet of water, with only a broken spar held by the rigging visible above the surface.
In the months following the disaster, the U.S. and Canadian governments discussed the responsibility for the wreck, given its location near the border. However, the wreck ultimately remained on the lakebed, unraised. To mark the dangerous location of the wreck, a barrel buoy with red and black horizontal stripes was placed near the site.
In September 1905, a contract was awarded to partially blow up the wreck to create a safer depth for navigation. The remnants of the PHILIP MINCH now rest at the bottom of Lake Erie, a somber reminder of the hazards faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
- Current Notices: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the PHILIP MINCH wreck site. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating in the vicinity of Chickenole Reef and Middle Island.
LOCATED BY & DATE
- Discovery: The wreck of the PHILIP MINCH was located in November 1904 by Captain Otto Biemiller of the tug THISTLE.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships
- U.S. Lighthouse Service
KEYWORDS
PHILIP MINCH, Steamer, Lake Erie, Great Lakes Shipwreck, 1904 Fire, Maritime History, Great Lakes
CONCLUSION
The tragic destruction of the PHILIP MINCH by fire in 1904 is a stark reminder of the dangers that Great Lakes vessels faced in the early 20th century. Despite the best efforts of its crew, the vessel was lost to the flames, leaving behind only charred remains on the lakebed. The subsequent discovery and marking of the wreck highlight the ongoing risks to navigation posed by shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. The story of the PHILIP MINCH serves as a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Lake Erie, reflecting the resilience of those who sailed its waters and the ever-present threat of disaster.
