IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
HISTORY The Britannic was a wooden bulk freighter built in 1888 by James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan. Initially enrolled in Port Huron, the ship was primarily involved in the Ashland ore trade, where it towed barges across the Great Lakes. Renowned for its robust two-deck construction and powerful screw propulsion system, the Britannic quickly became a workhorse on the lakes.
Throughout its operational life, the Britannic underwent several ownership changes and extensive rebuilds. One significant transformation occurred when the ship was renamed SARNOR under the ownership of the Lake Erie & Quebec Transportation Co. of Montreal. This name change marked a new chapter in the vessel’s history as it continued to serve in various capacities across the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION The Britannic‘s career was marred by a series of unfortunate events, including collisions, sinkings, and legal disputes. In 1895, the vessel collided with the steamer RUSSIA in the Detroit River, resulting in its sinking. However, the Britannic was raised and rebuilt in Marine City, allowing it to continue its service.
By 1936, after decades of hard work and multiple ownership changes, the ship was in poor condition. The final chapter in the Britannic‘s storied career came in 1937 when it was scuttled in deep water off Nine Mile Point, Lake Ontario, at the Wolfe Island Graveyard. The vessel now rests at a depth of 98 feet (30 meters), serving as a silent testament to the challenging and often perilous nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Additional Resources:
- References:
- Information compiled from the David Swayze Shipwreck Database, Great Lakes Now Shipwrecks, and Lloyd’s Register of Ships Online, along with historical records of the vessel’s operational life.
ANALYSIS The Britannic‘s long service life and eventual scuttling reflect the typical life cycle of many Great Lakes freighters. Despite its robust design and powerful engine, the vessel’s history was marked by frequent incidents, culminating in its deliberate sinking as it became obsolete. The Britannic, now resting at the Wolfe Island Graveyard, is a poignant reminder of the evolution of maritime technology and the relentless demands placed on ships and their crews.
KEYWORDS: Britannic, SARNOR, bulk freighter, Great Lakes, Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, maritime history, scuttling, propeller vessel
