IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
- Vessel Name: Passaic
- Vessel Type: Steam Screw
- Built: 1862, Buffalo, New York
- Location of Incident: Near Dunkirk, Lake Erie
- Date of Incident: November 1, 1891
- Coordinates: Not specifically available
- Cargo: Lumber (insured)
- Vessel Value: $12,000 (no insurance on the hull)
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Passaic was a steam screw vessel, a type of steamship powered by a screw propeller, commonly used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Built in 1862 in Buffalo, New York, the Passaic served on Lake Erie for nearly three decades. Steam screw vessels like the Passaic were essential for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, navigating the often treacherous waters with a mix of durability and power.
HISTORY #
The steam screw Passaic had a long and storied history, having been built in Buffalo in 1862. Over the years, it became a familiar sight on Lake Erie, transporting various goods between ports. On November 1, 1891, the Passaic was caught in a fierce gale while carrying a valuable cargo of lumber. The vessel ran aground near Dunkirk, breaking apart under the force of the storm. Despite the severe conditions, the crew members managed to escape by boarding the barges that were in tow—Lima, Hattie, Jeness, and Superior—all of which were also laden with lumber and weathered the storm at anchor.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Passaic was completely wrecked during the incident, breaking into pieces. The exact location of the wreck was uncertain immediately after the disaster, and efforts were made to locate the remains of the vessel. The cargo of lumber began washing ashore at Van Buren Point, and local officials sought permission to collect it. Fortunately, there were no casualties, as the crew safely evacuated to the barges. The loss of the Passaic was significant, both in terms of the vessel’s value and the complexity of the aftermath, particularly given that the hull was uninsured.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are in effect for this wreck site.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
- The exact location of the wreck remains uncertain. The wreck was presumed to have drifted or settled near Dunkirk or Van Buren Point, but it was not immediately found after the incident.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The condition of the wreck is unknown, as it was not located immediately following the incident. Given the violent nature of the wreck, it is likely that the remains of the Passaic are scattered and in poor condition. There is no known dive site associated with this wreck.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Additional historical records may be available in archives related to shipwrecks on Lake Erie.
TAGS #
Passaic, Steam Screw, Shipwreck, Lake Erie, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Dunkirk
CONCLUSION #
The wreck of the Passaic on November 1, 1891, underscores the perilous nature of maritime travel on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather. While the crew’s safe evacuation was a fortunate outcome, the loss of the vessel and its uninsured value added to the financial and emotional toll of the incident. The Passaic’s long service on Lake Erie came to a tragic end, leaving behind another story of resilience and loss in the annals of Great Lakes history.
