- Propeller
- 47ffw 16m
- 275ft Length
- Pelee Passage
- 41 41.304 82 30.808
On November 28, 1904, the wreck of the steamer PHILLIP MINCH, which had been burned off Sandusky Harbor on November 19, was located by the U.S. steamer VISITOR. The information regarding the wreck’s location was provided by Captain Biemiller of the fish tug THISTLE from Sandusky. Only a broken spar held by the rigging is visible above water, and alongside it, a buoy with a red flag was placed. However, it is expected that both the buoy and the spar will not remain for long.
The vessel rests in 45 feet of water, approximately 8.6 miles east-northeast from Middle Island lighthouse, 19.25 miles north-northeast from Huron piers, 15.0 miles north-northeast three-quarters east from Sandusky outer can buoy, and almost exactly on the line between Huron lighthouse and Point Pelee spit. Although depths as shallow as 21 feet were found over the wreck, further examination was hindered by adverse weather conditions, and there is a possibility that parts of the wreck may extend higher.
This information was provided by W. T. Blont, U.S. Assistant Engineer, on November 28, 1904, from Toledo, Ohio.
As for the vessel’s history, the PHILLIP MINCH was enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 24, 1888. It operated in the Ashland ore trade, towing the barge GEORGE WORMINGTON. It also towed the barge WINSLOW and the barge MORSE & PECK, transporting grain, coal, and ore. The vessel experienced various incidents, such as running aground in Duluth, Minnesota, and Lake George in the St. Mary’s River. It was involved in collisions and required repairs. Ownership of the PHILLIP MINCH changed over time, with the Nicholas Transit Co. of Fairport, Ohio, taking ownership in 1899.
By April 19, 1900, the vessel measured 2,010 gross tons and 1,657 net tons in Cleveland. However, tragedy struck on September 14, 1901, when the PHILLIP MINCH broke its rudder in Lake Huron and had to be towed by the steamer GLIDDEN and the tug BOYNTON to Cleveland.
Ultimately, on an unspecified date in 1904, the PHILLIP MINCH caught fire and sank in Lake Erie. These details are sourced from the Merchant Vessel List, U.S., in 1899.
