IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The SS Wexford was a steel-hulled package freighter built in 1883, designed for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Initially named ELISE, the vessel was a robust example of 19th-century shipbuilding, featuring a single deck and three cargo holds. Over the years, it was used to transport various goods, including steel rails and bulk cargo like wheat.
HISTORY: #
Constructed by William Doxford & Sons in Sunderland, England, the ship began its life as the ELISE in 1883. After several ownership changes and a renaming to Wexford in 1903, the vessel became part of the Western Steamship Company’s fleet. The SS Wexford was engaged in transporting goods across the Great Lakes, playing a crucial role in the trade network of the region.
In November 1913, the SS Wexford was on a voyage from Fort William, Ontario, carrying a cargo of steel rails and approximately 96,000 bushels of wheat, bound for Goderich, Ontario. It departed on November 6, 1913, but was caught in the Great Lakes storm of 1913, a catastrophic weather event that claimed numerous vessels and lives.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The SS Wexford battled the elements of the storm as it sailed down Lake Huron. On November 9, 1913, the last communication from Captain Cameron indicated foggy conditions and potential delays. Tragically, the ship was lost to the storm, sinking with all hands on board.
The wreck of the SS Wexford was discovered on August 25, 2000, lying upright in 75 feet of water off Grand Bend, Lake Huron. The wreck is in pristine condition, offering a window into the past and the tragic events of the Great Lakes storm of 1913.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Current Notices: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the SS Wexford wreck site. Divers should consult local authorities and maritime organizations for updated advisories before visiting the site.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Discovery Date: August 25, 2000
- Discovered By: Local divers exploring the area off Grand Bend, Lake Huron.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation
- NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
- National Museum of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
PICTURES: #
(Include available historical images of the SS Wexford, photographs of the wreck site, or any related imagery.)
KEYWORDS: #
SS Wexford, ELISE, Great Storm of 1913, Lake Huron, Steel-Hulled Freighter, Shipwreck, Maritime History, Great Lakes.
CONCLUSION: #
The SS Wexford is a powerful symbol of the Great Lakes’ maritime history, representing the challenges faced by vessels navigating these vast inland seas. The loss of the Wexford during the Great Storm of 1913 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime exploration and commerce. The discovery of its wreck in 2000 provided closure to one of the many mysteries of the storm, allowing us to honor the memory of the ship and its crew. Today, the SS Wexford remains a site of historical significance and a testament to the resilience of those who sailed the Great Lakes.
