MENOMINEE C138238

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Name: Menominee
Official Number: C138238
Type: Wooden Schooner
Depth: The wreck is in Lake Ontario, though specific depth details are not fully documented, it likely lies in moderately deep waters given its sinking circumstances.
Dimensions: 50.7 meters (166.2 feet) in length, 10.1 meters (33.1 feet) in beam, and 3.3 meters (10.9 feet) in depth.
Gross Tonnage: 455 tons
Net Tonnage: 433 tons
Year Built: 1883
Location: Lake Ontario, approximately 20 miles off the coast near Cape Vincent.

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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Menominee was a wooden-hulled schooner, a type of vessel primarily used during the 19th century for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Menominee were typically rigged with two or more masts and were renowned for their capacity to navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. The Menominee was engaged in carrying bulk goods such as coal, lumber, and other commodities crucial to the industrial era of the time.

HISTORY #

Built in 1883 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Menominee served as a robust cargo vessel on the Great Lakes. It played a vital role in the region’s economic activity, transporting various goods between ports. The vessel remained active for decades, even undergoing a significant rebuild in 1917 at Sorel, Quebec. This reconstruction marked its transition to a Canadian vessel, further extending its service life. Despite its age, the Menominee was listed as active in shipping records until 1933, underscoring its durability and the continued demand for its services.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

In a tragic event in Lake Ontario, the Menominee faced its end when it encountered trouble approximately 20 miles offshore. The steamer Nicaragua first spotted the Menominee in distress and coordinated a rescue effort. The Tug Proctor, which was towing the Barge Buckley, was also involved in the operation. Although the Proctor managed to rescue Captain Derusha and his son Elmer, who were found adrift, the Menominee ultimately could not be saved. The vessel broke apart and sank, spilling its cargo of coal into the lake. Thankfully, no lives were lost in the incident, but the ship was a total loss.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Menominee, though mariners and divers should always be cautious when approaching known wreck sites.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the Menominee has not been explicitly noted in recent diver or sonar records, and exact coordinates are not commonly available, making it a less frequently visited wreck.