Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Descriptions #
ALBANY: The ALBANY was a steel steamer, built in 1884 by the Detroit Dry-Dock Company. It was a large and modern vessel for its time, designed to transport bulk cargo such as grain across the Great Lakes. The ALBANY was rated A1 in Inland Lloyds, indicating its top condition and insurability. The vessel was valued at approximately $175,000 and was a key asset of the Western Transportation Company, based in Buffalo.
PHILADELPHIA: The PHILADELPHIA, built in 1867 by David Bell, was an iron steamer, smaller than the ALBANY. It was primarily used for transporting coal and general merchandise across the Great Lakes. The PHILADELPHIA was rated A2, slightly lower than the ALBANY, and valued at around $90,000. The vessel was owned by the Anchor Line and operated out of Buffalo.
History #
On November 7, 1893, in dense fog conditions, the ALBANY and the PHILADELPHIA collided off Point Aux Barques in Lake Huron. The ALBANY, carrying grain from Chicago and Milwaukee to Buffalo, was struck head-on by the PHILADELPHIA, which was transporting coal and general merchandise from Buffalo. The impact occurred forward of No. 2 gangway on the ALBANY, severely compromising the structural integrity of both vessels.
Despite the immediate danger, the crews of both ships managed to escape into two small boats. The ALBANY was the first to sink, followed by the PHILADELPHIA 30 minutes later. One lifeboat, carrying both captains and 20 crew members, reached the shore at Point Aux Barques the next morning. Unfortunately, the fate of the second lifeboat remains shrouded in mystery. Reports suggest it may have been tragically struck by the abandoned PHILADELPHIA, which continued to drift in the fog before sinking.
The collision resulted in a significant financial loss, estimated at over $400,000, factoring in the value of both ships and their cargoes. There are conflicting reports about the loss of life. One account states that no lives were lost, while another mentions that eight lives were lost, with 13 bodies recovered and 10 individuals still missing. The latter account suggests that the ALBANY’s lifeboat may have encountered the drifting PHILADELPHIA in the fog, leading to the fatal incident.
The ALBANY was owned by the Western Transportation Company, and the PHILADELPHIA belonged to the Anchor Line. Both vessels were under the command of experienced captains—Captain R.A. McDonald on the ALBANY and Captain E.A. Huff on the PHILADELPHIA. Despite their experience and the trust placed in them, the dense fog and the suddenness of the collision proved too much to overcome.
Final Disposition #
Both the ALBANY and the PHILADELPHIA sank to the bottom of Lake Huron shortly after the collision. The wrecks are believed to lie in approximately 200 feet of water, although exact locations and conditions of the wrecks are not detailed in the historical accounts.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: The wrecks are located in deep water, which may present challenges for divers. There are no known current Notices to Mariners specifically related to the wrecks.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wrecks have not been explicitly documented or explored in detail in the available records, and their exact positions may remain uncertain.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Ship Information
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Maritime History
- Bowling Green State University: Great Lakes Vessels Online Index
Conclusion #
The collision between the ALBANY and the PHILADELPHIA is a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by the Great Lakes, particularly in the era before modern navigation and communication technologies. The dense fog that contributed to the disaster is a frequent hazard in these waters, and despite the best efforts of experienced crews, tragedy struck.
The story of the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA is a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the ever-present risks of shipping on these vast inland seas. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of one of the lifeboats adds a layer of mystery to this tragic event, making it a subject of enduring interest for historians and maritime enthusiasts alike.
Keywords: #
- ALBANY
- PHILADELPHIA
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Lake Huron Collision
- 19th Century Shipping
- Great Lakes Maritime History
This detailed account of the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA collision aims to contribute to the comprehensive understanding of shipwrecks and maritime events in the Great Lakes, offering insights into the circumstances that led to one of the most tragic incidents in Lake Huron’s history.
