Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The D.R. Braman was a scow-schooner, a type of vessel characterized by its flat-bottomed hull, which was designed to navigate the shallow waters of the Great Lakes and rivers. These vessels were commonly used during the 19th century for transporting bulk goods, such as lumber, coal, or grain. The scow-schooner’s design allowed for significant cargo capacity and relatively easy construction, making it a popular choice for regional trade along the Great Lakes.
History #
The D.R. Braman was built in 1868 by Johnson in Dover, Ohio, and registered under the official number 35184. This wooden scow-schooner had a gross tonnage of 80 tons and was primarily based in Cleveland, Ohio, where it served in the transportation of various goods across the Great Lakes.
In October 1870, the D.R. Braman encountered a fatal incident while navigating the waters of Lake Huron, specifically off the coast of Black River, Michigan. The exact circumstances leading to the ship’s sinking remain unclear, as do the details about its cargo or whether there were any fatalities associated with the incident. The loss was reported by wreckers, who declared it a total loss on October 29, 1870.
Interestingly, there is a conflicting entry in the 1871 Underwriters Register, which indicates that the D.R. Braman may have been “got off,” suggesting that the vessel was potentially salvaged or refloated. However, due to the lack of detailed records, it is uncertain whether the ship was indeed recovered or if this was an administrative error. The ambiguity surrounding the final fate of the D.R. Braman adds a layer of mystery to its story.
Final Disposition #
The D.R. Braman is reported to have foundered in Lake Huron, off Black River, Michigan, in October 1870. The scow-schooner was considered a total loss, but the possibility of its salvage remains uncertain due to conflicting records.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the D.R. Braman, and it is not known to pose a navigational hazard today.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: There is no detailed information regarding the modern discovery or exploration of the wreck site.
Current Condition & Accessibility #
Due to the lack of information on the current state of the D.R. Braman wreck site, it is unclear whether it remains accessible for diving or exploration. Given the period and the vessel’s relatively small size, it is possible that the wreck, if still intact, may have been buried by sediment or deteriorated significantly over the years.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion #
The story of the D.R. Braman is one of the many maritime tragedies that occurred on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and challenging navigation frequently led to the loss of vessels. Despite the limited information available, the sinking of the D.R. Braman in 1870 adds to the rich tapestry of the Great Lakes’ maritime history, reflecting the perils faced by the sailors and ships that traversed these waters during the 19th century.
Keywords: #
- D.R. Braman
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Lake Huron Shipwreck
- 19th Century Maritime Disaster
- Scow-Schooner
- Great Lakes Lumber Transport
- Shipwreck Mystery
The D.R. Braman remains a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century, and its uncertain fate serves as a testament to the many untold stories hidden beneath the waves of these inland seas.
