IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The NORTH WEST was a magnificent twin-screw steamer launched on January 6, 1894, at the Globe Iron Company yards in Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel was commissioned by the Northern Steamship Company to operate between Buffalo, New York, and Duluth, Minnesota, as part of a partnership with the Great Northern Railway. The NORTH WEST was a symbol of engineering prowess and luxury, designed to cater to both passengers and cargo.
Measuring 383 feet in length, the NORTH WEST was equipped with twin screws and powerful engines that generated 7,000 horsepower, allowing the vessel to reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. The ship featured four decks and had the capacity to house 350 emigrants on the lower deck. It also boasted luxurious amenities, including a grand dining saloon with intricate finishes and a deck saloon furnished in Mahogany for the ladies.
HISTORY: #
The launch of the NORTH WEST was a celebrated event, drawing a large crowd of shipbuilders and engineers from across the Great Lakes region. The vessel represented the pinnacle of shipbuilding at the time, with its advanced design and luxurious features.
The NORTH WEST faced challenges throughout its career, starting with an incident in August 1894, when it ran aground near Bar Point on Lake Erie due to fog. The vessel was successfully refloated and continued its service. In 1901, the steamer underwent a significant rebuild, adding new cabins and upgrading its boilers.
Tragedy struck the NORTH WEST on June 3, 1911, when a fire broke out while the vessel was docked in Buffalo, New York. The fire caused extensive damage, and although the ship was raised, it remained idle and eventually fell into disuse.
In the following years, the NORTH WEST changed ownership multiple times. By 1917, the ship was cut in two and transported to the East Coast to support the war effort. Its bow half was lost during a storm on November 28, 1918, near Consecon, Ontario, in Lake Ontario. Two crew members perished as they succumbed to exposure while stranded on a life raft.
The stern portion of the NORTH WEST was incorporated into the steamer MAPLECOURT, which later met its end during World War II. The NORTH WEST’s final chapter came when it was torpedoed by a German submarine in the Irish Sea on February 6, 1941, during its voyage from Montreal, Quebec, to Preston, Great Britain.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
Currently, there are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the NORTH WEST wreck site, as the exact GPS coordinates have not been disclosed.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the NORTH WEST was located in 2006 at a depth of 140 feet off Salmon Point in Lake Ontario. However, the exact GPS coordinates of the site have not been publicly disclosed.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck of the NORTH WEST lies at a depth of 140 feet, making it accessible to experienced divers. The condition of the wreck is relatively unknown due to its depth and the lack of comprehensive surveys. The site remains a significant location for underwater exploration, though the details of its current state are sparse.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Link
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- Buffalo Historical Society: Buffalo Historical Society
- Great Northern Railway Historical Society: Great Northern Railway
KEYWORDS: #
- NORTH WEST Shipwreck
- Lake Ontario
- Twin-Screw Steamer
- Great Northern Railway
- 1894 Steamer
- Salmon Point Wreck
ANALYSIS: #
The NORTH WEST stands as a testament to the grandeur of 19th-century shipbuilding and the perilous nature of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Despite its state-of-the-art design and luxurious accommodations, the vessel’s history was marred by accidents, fire, and eventual loss. The discovery of the NORTH WEST wreck in 2006 rekindled interest in this once-magnificent steamer, offering a glimpse into the challenges and dangers faced by vessels of its era. The NORTH WEST is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of human endeavors, where even the mightiest ships can succumb to the unforgiving forces of nature.
