Uranus (later renamed W.C. Franz) C130775

The Uranus was a bulk propeller freighter, a type of vessel designed primarily for transporting large quantities of bulk cargo such as coal, grain, or iron ore across the Great Lakes. With its substantial size and tonnage, the Uranus was a significant player in the industrial trade that fueled the economies around the Great Lakes region.

HISTORY #

Built in 1901, the Uranus served for over a decade under its original name before being re-registered under the Canadian flag and renamed W.C. Franz in 1913. As part of the robust fleet of freighters operating on the Great Lakes, the vessel was instrumental in the transport of essential bulk materials between ports.

Tragedy struck on November 21, 1934, when the W.C. Franz was involved in a catastrophic collision with the steamship Edward E. Loomis while navigating Lake Huron, about 30 miles southeast of Thunder Bay Island. The collision was severe, leading to the sinking of the W.C. Franz and the loss of four crew members’ lives.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The W.C. Franz now lies at the bottom of Lake Huron, a solemn reminder of the perils faced by freighters on the Great Lakes. The wreck, situated 30 miles southeast of Thunder Bay Island, represents a significant loss in the maritime history of the region, both in terms of human lives and the economic impact of the vessel’s demise.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The exact location of the wreck is known, though specific GPS coordinates are not provided in the available records. Given the historical significance of the wreck, it is likely that the site has been explored and documented by maritime historians and divers.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are mentioned, but the wreck’s location should be marked and considered by mariners navigating the area to prevent any potential hazards.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Institute for Great Lakes Research: This incident and the history of the W.C. Franz are documented in the Detroit/Wyandotte Shipbuilding Master List, part of the Institute for Great Lakes Research in Perrysburg, Ohio.

CONCLUSION #

The sinking of the W.C. Franz is a poignant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping. The collision with the Edward E. Loomis that led to its sinking highlights the dangers of navigating these vast inland waters, even for large and powerful vessels. The loss of life underscores the risks faced by sailors who worked on these freighters, and the wreck itself remains a significant site for both historical study and remembrance.

KEYWORDS #

• W.C. Franz shipwreck
• Uranus bulk freighter
• Lake Huron collision
• Great Lakes maritime history
• Thunder Bay shipwrecks

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION #

The wreck of the W.C. Franz is a critical piece of Great Lakes history. Further research and exploration of the wreck site could provide more insights into the collision’s circumstances and the ship’s final moments before it was lost to the depths of Lake Huron.