Identification & Site Information

•Name: Conemaugh

•Type: Package Freight Propeller

•Built: August 1880

•Builder: Not specified

•Final Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie, Ontario

•Coordinates: N 41 54.570, W 82 30.655

•Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 251 feet (76.5 meters)

•Beam: 36 feet (11 meters)

•Depth: 15.3 feet (4.7 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 1,609 tons

•Net Tonnage: 1,453 tons

•Nominal horsepower: 1,000 HP

•Registry: Port Huron, Michigan

Vessel Type Description

The Conemaugh was a wooden-hulled package freight propeller designed to transport goods across the Great Lakes. These vessels were vital for regional commerce, connecting ports with manufactured goods, dry goods, and agricultural products. Its screw-propeller propulsion system made it more efficient and maneuverable compared to older Paddlewheel steamers.

History

Construction and Early Service

The Conemaugh was built in 1880, a period when the Great Lakes were bustling with trade and transportation. It played a key role in the movement of freight across the region, serving as a workhorse for its owners.

Notable Incidents

The Conemaugh endured a challenging career:

•1881: Sank in the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan. The vessel was salvaged and repaired, returning to service.

•Subsequent Years: The ship experienced multiple collisions, groundings, and other accidents, a testament to the perils of navigating the often-unpredictable Great Lakes.

Despite these setbacks, the Conemaugh remained active for over two decades, undergoing repairs and modifications to extend its service life.

Final Voyage and Loss

•Date of Incident: November 21, 1906

•Cause: Stranded during rough conditions at Point Pelee, Ontario, Lake Erie.

•Outcome: The vessel broke in two, resulting in a Total Loss.

Despite the catastrophic damage to the ship, all 21 crew members aboard survived.

•Salvage Efforts:

A Tug, Frank W., was dispatched from Cleveland to salvage the cargo, including eight cars of dry goods. Due to rough seas, the initial attempt failed, and another attempt was planned when conditions improved.

The Conemaugh’s stranding and subsequent loss were reported in the official records for the fiscal year 1907.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Conemaugh remains at a depth of 20 feet (6 meters) near Point Pelee. The vessel lies broken, with remnants scattered across the lakebed. The site serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners in the early 20th century.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Conemaugh. However, mariners and divers in the Point Pelee area should exercise caution due to submerged debris.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•The wreck is located in shallow water, making it accessible to recreational divers and snorkelers.

•The site is mostly a debris field due to the vessel breaking in two and subsequent salvage efforts.

•Visibility may vary depending on weather and water conditions in Lake Erie.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Database

•Great Lakes Historical Society: Provides information on significant shipwrecks in Lake Erie.

•DiveOntario.ca: Dive site information for Lake Erie wrecks, including the Conemaugh.

Keywords

Conemaugh, Package Freight Propeller, Point Pelee, Lake Erie, Shipwreck, Great Lakes History, Stranding, 1906 Wreck, Great Lakes Commerce.

Analysis

The loss of the Conemaugh exemplifies the inherent risks of operating package freighters on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite the vessel’s robust design and multiple repairs, the forces of nature and challenging navigational conditions ultimately claimed the ship. Today, the wreck site offers an opportunity for exploration and serves as a historical marker of the maritime heritage of Lake Erie.