IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The O.E. Parks was a wooden-hulled barge built in 1891, used primarily for freight service on the Great Lakes. With a length of 134.4 feet, a beam of 24.7 feet, and a depth of 11.0 feet, the vessel had a gross tonnage of 392 tons. As a barge, it would have been towed by another vessel, often carrying bulk cargo such as coal, lumber, or grain. The O.E. Parks was manned by a small crew of four and operated under the registry of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
HISTORY #
The O.E. Parks served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes for nearly four decades, transporting various types of cargo across the region. The barge, owned by Samuel Shields, was a typical example of the many vessels that contributed to the bustling trade on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
On May 3, 1929, the O.E. Parks met its unfortunate end when it foundered near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. The exact circumstances leading to the foundering are not detailed in the historical records, but it is clear that the vessel encountered difficulties that led to its sinking. Despite the perilous situation, all nine people on board the barge were rescued, and no lives were lost.
The loss of the O.E. Parks was one of many maritime incidents that occurred in the treacherous waters surrounding Thunder Bay Island, an area known for its numerous shipwrecks due to the challenging navigation conditions and frequent storms.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The O.E. Parks foundered and sank near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron on May 3, 1929. The specific depth at which the barge rests is not provided, and there is no information on whether any salvage attempts were made. The vessel’s remains likely lie on the lakebed, adding to the numerous wrecks that populate the Thunder Bay region.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact coordinates of the O.E. Parks wreck have not been specified, and the location remains general to the Thunder Bay Island area in Lake Huron. Further investigation or surveys would be required to pinpoint the precise location of the wreck.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the O.E. Parks following its foundering. However, Thunder Bay Island is a known area of maritime hazards, and mariners should be cautious when navigating these waters, particularly in areas known for historical shipwrecks.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA Thunder Bay NMS
CONCLUSION #
The O.E. Parks serves as a reminder of the many vessels that have been lost in the Great Lakes over the years. Although the foundering of the barge in 1929 did not result in any loss of life, it underscores the inherent risks faced by those who worked on these waters. The wreck of the O.E. Parks contributes to the rich maritime history of Thunder Bay Island, an area marked by numerous shipwrecks and the challenges of Great Lakes navigation.
KEYWORDS #
- O.E. Parks barge
- Thunder Bay Island shipwreck
- Lake Huron wrecks
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Foundered freighter
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
While specific coordinates of the O.E. Parks wreck are not available, the incident occurred near Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron. Mariners and researchers should consult current NOTMARs and exercise caution when navigating in this historically significant area of the Great Lakes.
