IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: The Maggie McRae was a barge, a type of vessel commonly used in the Great Lakes for transporting bulk cargo, often towed by other vessels. Barges like the Maggie McRae were essential for moving large quantities of materials, such as coal, lumber, or grain, across the vast expanse of the lakes. These vessels were typically rugged and built to withstand the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY: The Maggie McRae was a barge operating in the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Superior. On an ill-fated journey in 1888, the Maggie McRae faced a severe challenge from the thick ice on Lake Superior. After leaving Port Arthur, Ontario, the barge’s bows were severely damaged, or “stove in,” by the thick ice about 10 miles down the lake.
The impact from the ice was catastrophic, leading to the barge’s sinking. However, the Maggie McRae did not sink immediately; it took about an hour for the vessel to go down. This delay was crucial, as it allowed all seven crew members aboard the barge to be saved. The incident underscores the dangers that ice posed to vessels on the Great Lakes, particularly during the late 19th century when navigation aids and icebreaking capabilities were limited.
FINAL DISPOSITION: The Maggie McRae sank in Lake Superior after its bow was crushed by ice. The crew was fortunate to survive, as the barge took an hour to sink, providing them enough time to escape. The exact location of the wreck is not specified, and no further recovery efforts or exploration of the site are known to have occurred.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories currently associated with the wreck of the Maggie McRae.
LOCATED BY & DATE: There is no record of the wreck’s location being identified or explored. The exact coordinates and depth of the wreck remain unknown.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: The current condition of the Maggie McRae is unknown, as there are no reports of the wreck being located or examined. Given the age of the wreck and the conditions in Lake Superior, it is likely that the remains of the barge, if found, would be in a state of significant deterioration.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Bowling Green State University: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
KEYWORDS: Maggie McRae, Barge, Lake Superior, Shipwreck, Ice Damage, Great Lakes, Maritime History
CONCLUSION: The sinking of the Maggie McRae is a testament to the dangers faced by vessels navigating the ice-laden waters of Lake Superior. The crew’s survival was a fortunate outcome in what could have been a tragic incident. While the exact details of the wreck’s location remain elusive, the story of the Maggie McRae serves as a reminder of the perilous conditions that barges and their crews endured on the Great Lakes
