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, modern vessel designed to transport bulk cargo such as grain across the Great Lakes. Rated A1 by Inland Lloyds, the ALBANY was valued at approximately $175,000 and was an important 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. Primarily used for transporting coal and general merchandise across the Great Lakes, it 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, dense fog conditions in Lake Huron led to a tragic collision between the ALBANY and the PHILADELPHIA off Point Aux Barques. The ALBANY was en route from Chicago and Milwaukee to Buffalo, carrying grain, while the PHILADELPHIA was transporting coal and general merchandise from Buffalo. The collision occurred when the PHILADELPHIA struck the ALBANY head-on, causing severe damage to 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 about 30 minutes later. One of the lifeboats, carrying both captains and 20 crew members, reached shore at Point Aux Barques the next morning. However, the fate of the second lifeboat remains uncertain. Some reports suggest it may have been struck by the abandoned PHILADELPHIA, which continued to drift in the fog before sinking.
The financial loss from the collision was significant, estimated at over $400,000. There are conflicting reports about the loss of life: some accounts state that no lives were lost, while others mention that eight lives were lost, with 13 bodies recovered and 10 individuals still missing. The latter suggests that the ALBANY‘s lifeboat may have encountered the drifting PHILADELPHIA in the fog, leading to the fatalities.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
Both the ALBANY and the PHILADELPHIA sank shortly after the collision and now rest at the bottom of Lake Huron in approximately 200 feet of water. The exact positions and conditions of the wrecks remain largely undocumented, making them a subject of interest for future exploration.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
- Current Status: The wrecks are located in deep water, which presents challenges for divers. There are no known current Notices to Mariners specifically related to these 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 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the Great Lakes, especially in the days 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 these two vessels 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.
