IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The Bruce Mines was a sidewheel steamer owned by the Montreal Mining Company. It operated primarily between the north shore of Lake Huron and Montreal, transporting essential supplies for the copper mines in the Bruce Mines community. Sidewheel steamers were common during this era, known for their distinctive paddle wheels on either side of the vessel, which provided propulsion.
HISTORY:
The steamer Bruce Mines played a vital role in supporting the burgeoning copper mining industry on the north shore of Lake Huron. As a critical link between the mining operations and the outside world, it regularly carried supplies, including foodstuffs, mining equipment, and other necessities from Montreal to the remote mining communities.
On November 28, 1854, the Bruce Mines encountered a severe gale while navigating the waters off Cape Hurd near Tobermory, Ontario. The vessel was heavily laden with gunpowder, food, and mining supplies, making it particularly vulnerable in the rough conditions. As the storm intensified, the ship began taking on water and soon sprung a leak. Despite the crew’s best efforts to lighten the load by jettisoning cargo, the situation worsened. By daylight, the fires were extinguished, the engines ceased functioning, and the rudder became inoperable, leaving the ship adrift and at the mercy of the turbulent waves.
Onboard were 26 people, including three passengers. With the ship sinking, Captain Frederick M. Fraser took decisive action to prevent panic. He brandished pistols and threatened to shoot anyone attempting to board the lifeboats without his order, successfully maintaining order amidst the chaos. Eventually, 15 people were assisted into the mate’s lifeboat, while Captain Fraser and nine others boarded the second lifeboat. The mate’s boat was successfully launched, but the passenger’s boat encountered difficulties when its tackle became entangled. The mate, showing great presence of mind, used an axe to cut the ropes, allowing the boat to be launched just as the ship sank.
The survivors faced a perilous journey to safety, battling treacherous waves in their small lifeboats. After enduring hunger, exposure to the elements, and the constant threat of capsizing for four days and five hours, they finally reached Owen’s Sound, Ontario, on December 2, 1854.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
The Bruce Mines sank off Cape Hurd, near Tobermory, Ontario, on November 28, 1854, during a violent gale. Despite the loss of the ship and its valuable cargo, all 26 people on board were rescued, largely thanks to the leadership of Captain Fraser and the crew’s efforts. The wreck of the Bruce Mines remained visible at low water for several years and was reportedly in good condition as late as 1883.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the Bruce Mines.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
The wreck was observed for several years after the sinking, but specific details about its current condition or location are not available.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
KEYWORDS:
Bruce Mines, sidewheel steamer, Lake Huron shipwreck, Tobermory Ontario, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century shipping, Montreal Mining Company.
CONCLUSION:
The story of the Bruce Mines is a dramatic tale of survival and the dangers of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. While the ship and its valuable cargo were lost, the successful rescue of all on board stands as a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of the crew. The ship’s wreckage, visible for years after the incident, served as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who ventured onto the Great Lakes during this era. The Bruce Mines’ legacy continues to be remembered in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history.
