PORTSMOUTH (1853)

The Portsmouth was a steam-powered propeller vessel, typical of the mid-19th century, designed for both freight and passenger transport across the Great Lakes. With a tonnage of 525 tons, the Portsmouth was a substantial vessel for its time, playing a key role in the transportation of goods such as ore from the upper Great Lakes to other ports. Built in Buffalo, New York, in 1853, the vessel was part of the growing fleet of steam-powered ships that revolutionized Great Lakes commerce by offering greater speed and reliability compared to sail-powered ships.

HISTORY #

The Portsmouth was owned by the Erie Railway Company, a significant operator in the transportation sector, and was valued at $16,000—a considerable sum in the 19th century. The vessel had been in service for 14 years and underwent repairs in 1861, ensuring it remained seaworthy.

On November 14, 1867, the Portsmouth was on a voyage down from Lake Superior, laden with a cargo of ore, when it encountered severe weather conditions. The vessel ran aground on the northeast end of Middle Island in Lake Huron. The hard, stony bottom made it impossible to free the ship, and despite efforts to save her, the Portsmouth became a total loss.

The situation worsened as winter set in. By December 4, 1867, the vessel was reported to be stripped and abandoned, its hull covered in ice and completely immobile. Efforts to salvage the ship were unsuccessful, and the vessel was left to the elements.

In June 1868, reports indicated that most of the cargo and machinery had been recovered from the wreck, but the hull of the Portsmouth remained stranded on Middle Island, a stark reminder of the perils faced by ships navigating the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Portsmouth was ultimately abandoned after running aground on Middle Island in Lake Huron. The severe weather and ice made any further attempts at salvage futile. The wreck remained on the island, where the hull could still be seen for some time after the incident.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the Portsmouth was documented shortly after the incident, with reports noting its location on the northeast end of Middle Island. The exact coordinates of the wreck are not provided, but its presence was well known at the time due to the visible remains of the hull and the efforts to recover cargo and machinery.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Portsmouth are mentioned, but the wreck’s location on Middle Island would have been well known to mariners of the time, serving as a cautionary tale of the dangers posed by the rocky shoals and severe weather in Lake Huron.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA Thunder Bay NMS

CONCLUSION #

The grounding and eventual loss of the Portsmouth highlight the challenges and dangers of navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Despite its strong construction and experienced crew, the vessel was no match for the severe weather and unforgiving terrain of Middle Island. The Portsmouth‘s wreck serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those who sailed these waters and the importance of advancements in navigational safety and technology.

KEYWORDS #

• Portsmouth propeller ship
• Lake Huron shipwreck
• Middle Island grounding
• Great Lakes maritime history
• Erie Railway Company vessel loss

GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #

While specific GPS coordinates for the wreck of the Portsmouth are not available, it is located at the northeast end of Middle Island in Lake Huron. Mariners and researchers should exercise caution when exploring this area, which is known for its challenging conditions and historical significance as a site of shipwrecks.