IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Bucephalus was a wooden propeller-driven ship, designed for both passenger and freight transportation across the Great Lakes. These vessels, powered by steam engines driving a single screw propeller, were the workhorses of mid-19th century lake transport. The Bucephalus was built to navigate the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, carrying goods and passengers between major ports such as Buffalo and Chicago. Its design reflected the technological advancements of the time, which sought to improve speed and reliability over long distances.
HISTORY #
The Bucephalus was constructed in 1852 in Perrysburg, Ohio, and quickly became a familiar sight on the Great Lakes, operating under the ownership of Captain S. Alexander and the firm Holt & Palmer of Buffalo. The vessel was primarily engaged in the transportation of goods such as corn, barrelled flour, and various merchandise, and served a critical role in the trade routes between Buffalo, Chicago, and other intermediate ports.
On November 7, 1854, the Bucephalus embarked on what would become its final voyage. Departing from Chicago and headed towards Buffalo, the ship encountered a fierce gale while traversing Lake Huron. The storm proved too powerful for the Bucephalus, which lost its rudder and was left adrift, powerless against the towering waves. As the ship filled with water, the situation grew dire. The crew attempted to evacuate, but tragedy struck when one of the lifeboats capsized upon launch, leading to the drowning of eight crew members. Another lifeboat capsized near the shore of Point Aux Barques, claiming two more lives. In total, ten of the twenty-four crew members perished in the disaster.
Despite the overwhelming circumstances, fourteen crew members managed to survive the ordeal. They reached the shores of Point Aux Barques, where they were met with compassion and care from the local community. The survivors were provided with shelter, dry clothing, and the comfort they desperately needed after such a harrowing experience. The community’s swift response was a vital lifeline for those who had endured the storm’s wrath.
The sinking of the Bucephalus sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the dangers of Great Lakes navigation and the devastating impact of such disasters. The vessel, valued at $28,000, and its cargo, worth $60,000, were lost to the storm, underscoring the financial as well as human toll of the tragedy.
In the years following the sinking, there were unconfirmed reports suggesting that the Bucephalus may have been raised at some point, although no concrete evidence has surfaced to support this claim. Additionally, another vessel named Bucephalus was reported lost in Saginaw Bay in 1879, but it remains unclear whether this was the same ship or a different vessel bearing the same name.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Bucephalus met its end in Lake Huron during a violent storm on November 7, 1854. The ship sank near Point Aux Barques after losing its rudder and becoming overwhelmed by the storm. Ten crew members lost their lives in the disaster, while fourteen others survived, thanks in large part to the aid of the local community. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and the vessel has never been conclusively recovered or identified.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
There is no record of the Bucephalus wreck being definitively located. The vessel is believed to have sunk near Point Aux Barques in Lake Huron, but its final resting place remains a mystery.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Bucephalus. Mariners should be aware of the historical presence of wrecks in the vicinity of Point Aux Barques and exercise caution when navigating the area, especially during stormy weather.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships
CONCLUSION #
The tragic story of the Bucephalus is a powerful reminder of the dangers that sailors faced on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The loss of the vessel and ten of its crew members underscores the unpredictable and often perilous nature of these waters. The resilience of the survivors and the compassion of the Point Aux Barques community stand as enduring testaments to the human spirit in the face of adversity. The Bucephalus continues to be remembered as a significant part of maritime history, with its story echoing through the annals of Great Lakes lore.
KEYWORDS #
- Bucephalus shipwreck
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Point Aux Barques
- Great Lakes maritime history
- 19th-century shipwreck
- Great Lakes storm
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
Specific GPS coordinates for the wreck site of the Bucephalus are not available. Continued exploration and research may eventually shed light on the exact location of the wreck. Maritime historians and divers should stay updated on new findings or developments related to this historic shipwreck.
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