Other Names
- M.C. UPPER
History
The BEN HUR was a schooner-barge that was built in 1874 in Dunnville, Ontario. It initially had the name M. C. UPPER and was later renamed in 1889. The vessel had an official number of 3411.
Here are some details about the BEN HUR and its loss:
- Type at loss: Schooner-barge, wood, wrecker
- Specifications: The BEN HUR had dimensions of 138 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 11 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 315 tons and a net tonnage of 298 tons.
- Date of loss: The BEN HUR sank on November 8, 1890.
- Place of loss: The sinking occurred near Port Huron on the St. Clair River in Michigan.
- Lake: The incident took place on Lake St. Clair.
- Type of loss: The BEN HUR sank as a result of a collision.
- Loss of life: There were no casualties reported.
- Cargo: The BEN HUR was not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident.
The BEN HUR was involved in the salvage operation of the schooner M.E. TREMBLE. While attempting to salvage the TREMBLE, the BEN HUR was rammed and sunk by the towed schooner-barge SUPERIOR, which was being towed by the vessel PASSAIC. The hulk of the BEN HUR came to rest on top of the sunken TREMBLE. A lighter scow that the BEN HUR was using also sank with it.
The wreck of the BEN HUR was reportedly destroyed by dynamiting in 1891. The Murphy Wrecking Company, which owned the BEN HUR, was initially formed for the purpose of removing the wreck of the TREMBLE. The sinking of the BEN HUR and the TREMBLE resulted in a legal case brought by Thomas A. Murphy against the steamer PASSAIC and its tow. The case was decided in favor of Murphy, and damages were awarded.
The BEN HUR, originally built as the M.C. UPPER, had a home port in Detroit, Michigan. In 1892, it was listed as a schooner of 314.53 gross tons and 297.85 tons net.
