1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The BANNOCKBURN was a steel canaller launched on April 20, 1893, by Sir Raylton Dixon & Co. Ltd. in Middlesbrough, UK. Designed as a lake freighter, the vessel had a clinker-built hull, an elliptical stern, and a double bottom. It was powered by a triple expansion engine capable of producing 1,182 indicated horsepower (170 rated horsepower). The BANNOCKBURN was specifically constructed to navigate the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, with dimensions of 245.0 feet (74.7 meters) in length. The vessel was registered in Liverpool, England, and was involved in the transportation of bulk goods, such as grain, across the Great Lakes.
3. HISTORY #
The BANNOCKBURN had a history marked by multiple incidents before its final disappearance. After its launch in 1893, the vessel ran aground on Snake Island near Kingston, Ontario, on April 27, 1897. This was the first of several groundings that plagued the ship throughout its career. It also sank in the Welland Canal on October 20, 1897, and ran aground on Lake Huron in November 1898 and at Port Colborne in May 1899. The vessel continued to experience groundings in the following years, reflecting the challenges of navigating the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
The BANNOCKBURN became infamous following its disappearance on November 21, 1902. The ship departed from Fort William, Ontario, on November 20, 1902, bound for Midland, Ontario, carrying a cargo of 85,000 bushels of grain. After briefly running aground, the vessel returned to Fort William before setting out again the next day. The ship was last seen near Passage Island, Lake Superior, and subsequently disappeared without a trace, resulting in the loss of 20-22 lives.
The mysterious disappearance of the BANNOCKBURN earned it the nickname “Flying Dutchman of the Great Lakes,” as it became a ghost ship in local lore. Its registration was officially closed on December 31, 1902. A recovered lifejacket remains one of the few tangible remnants of the vessel, serving as a somber reminder of its tragic fate.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The BANNOCKBURN disappeared on November 21, 1902, near Passage Island on Lake Superior. Despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or bodies were ever recovered, and the ship’s final resting place remains unknown. The vessel’s mysterious disappearance has fueled its legend as a ghost ship, with numerous reported sightings over the years. The exact circumstances of the ship’s loss, whether due to a storm, structural failure, or other factors, remain a matter of speculation.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the BANNOCKBURN. The ship is presumed lost in the depths of Lake Superior, but its exact location remains a mystery.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the BANNOCKBURN has never been located. The ship disappeared on November 21, 1902, and remains one of the Great Lakes’ most famous unsolved mysteries.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Since the wreck of the BANNOCKBURN has never been found, its current condition and accessibility remain unknown. The ship is presumed to be lying at the bottom of Lake Superior, possibly at a considerable depth, which would make any future discovery challenging. The site, if ever found, would likely require advanced technical diving equipment and expertise to explore.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Bowling Green State University: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
- Wikipedia: BANNOCKBURN (Ship)
- Great Lakes Boating: Website
- Ghosts and Monsters: Website
- YouTube: BANNOCKBURN Ghost Ship Documentary
- Joe C Combs the 2nd: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The story of the BANNOCKBURN is one of the most enduring maritime mysteries of the Great Lakes. Often referred to as the “Flying Dutchman” or “Ghost Ship of the Great Lakes,” the vessel’s unexplained disappearance has captivated historians and ghost story enthusiasts alike. Its history of repeated groundings and mishaps, combined with its final, unexplained loss, has only added to its legend. The BANNOCKBURN serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by ships and crews navigating the vast and often unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
As the wreck of the BANNOCKBURN has not been located, diving is not possible. If the wreck were to be discovered, it would likely require advanced technical diving skills due to the potential depth and environmental conditions of Lake Superior. Any exploration should be conducted with respect for the historical significance of the site and the lives lost.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Steel Canaller
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- Mystery
- Ghost Ship
CONCLUSION #
The BANNOCKBURN, a steel canaller built in 1893, disappeared without a trace on Lake Superior in 1902, leaving behind one of the most intriguing maritime mysteries in Great Lakes history. Its legacy as the “Flying Dutchman” or “Ghost Ship of the Great Lakes” has persisted for over a century, inspiring stories, legends, and ongoing speculation. The BANNOCKBURN remains a symbol of the enduring dangers of Great Lakes navigation and the mysteries that continue to fascinate maritime historians and enthusiasts.
