Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The BENJ. F. BRUCE was a robust three-masted wooden schooner designed for heavy cargo transport, typical of Great Lakes schooners of the late 19th century. Measuring nearly 200 feet in length, it was built to carry substantial loads across the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. The vessel’s primary cargoes included bulk materials like iron ore, a common trade commodity for schooners of this size.
History #
The BENJ. F. BRUCE was constructed in 1873 by William Crosthwaite, a noted shipbuilder from East Saginaw, Michigan. The schooner was a significant vessel, with a gross tonnage of 729 tons, marking it as a substantial addition to the Great Lakes fleet. Originally owned by its builder, William Crosthwaite, the vessel was later sold to various owners, including J.C. Gilchrist of Cleveland, Ohio, who owned the schooner at the time of its sinking.
On October 17, 1895, while being towed by the steamer CUMBERLAND, the BENJ. F. BRUCE was navigating the narrow and treacherous waters near Sailor’s Encampment in the St. Mary’s River, Lake Huron. The schooner was laden with a heavy cargo of iron ore, a common but weighty load that made navigation challenging. During this passage, the vessel struck a boulder submerged in the river, which tore out the bottom of the schooner. As a result, the BENJ. F. BRUCE quickly sank in approximately 30 feet of water. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among the crew.
The wreck posed a significant hazard to navigation in the busy waters of the St. Mary’s River. In 1896, the decision was made to dynamite the wreck to prevent it from obstructing the passage of other vessels. This destruction was necessary due to the strategic importance of the St. Mary’s River as a shipping route, particularly for vessels carrying iron ore and other heavy cargoes through the Great Lakes.
At the time of its loss, the BENJ. F. BRUCE was valued at $18,000, a considerable sum for a vessel of its kind. The schooner was deemed a total loss, and its final registration, recorded in Sandusky, Ohio, on April 23, 1894, was canceled following the incident.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: The wreck site was dynamited in 1896, and no remains of the vessel are likely to be present today. There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The wreck was located shortly after the sinking in 1895, leading to its subsequent destruction the following year.
Current Condition & Accessibility #
Given the dynamiting of the wreck in 1896, it is unlikely that significant remnants of the BENJ. F. BRUCE remain. Any exploration of the site would likely reveal only scattered debris, if anything, and it is not considered a notable dive site today.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion #
The story of the BENJ. F. BRUCE highlights the inherent dangers of navigating the narrow and rocky waters of the St. Mary’s River, especially when hauling heavy cargoes like iron ore. Despite its tragic end, the vessel played a vital role in the Great Lakes shipping industry during its operational years. The dynamiting of the wreck reflects the ongoing challenges of maintaining safe navigation routes in one of North America’s most important inland waterways.
Keywords: #
- BENJ. F. BRUCE
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Lake Huron Shipwreck
- 19th Century Maritime Disaster
- Schooner
- Great Lakes Maritime History
The BENJ. F. BRUCE serves as a historical reminder of the maritime hazards that once plagued the busy shipping lanes of the Great Lakes, particularly in the narrow passages where even the largest and strongest vessels could meet their end.
