Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Abercorn US 105361

Explore the remains of the ABERCORN, a wooden-hulled steambarge that met its fate in 1904. A dive into history awaits at the Goderich Boneyard.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: ABERCORN
  • Type: Steam Barge
  • Year Built: 1874
  • Builder: Marine City, Michigan
  • Dimensions: Length 126.1 ft (38.4 m); Beam 26.1 ft (8 m); Depth of hold 11 ft (3.4 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 6 m / 20 ft
  • Location: Goderich Boneyard, Lake Huron
  • Official Number: US 105361
  • Original Owners: James Leitch, Robert Leitch, Sarah Leitch, Henry Pauly, Captains W.J. Willoughby, Richard Baxter

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Type: Steam Barge

Description

The ABERCORN was a wooden-hulled steambarge built in 1874 in Marine City, Michigan. Initially owned by James Leitch and others, it became a vital part of the maritime trade, carrying lumber and coal across the Great Lakes. Over its lifetime, the vessel changed hands multiple times, with ownership passing to Robert Leitch, Sarah Leitch, and Henry Pauly before its final owners, Captains W.J. Willoughby and Richard Baxter.

History

The ABERCORN endured a challenging service life, marked by incidents and accidents. Shortly after its launch in 1874, it ran aground near Port Colborne, Ontario, and needed lightering to free it from Lake Erie’s shallow waters. It later ran aground again in October 1883 on Spectacle Reef in Lake Huron. Other mishaps involved collisions and mechanical troubles, though it always managed to return to service following repairs.

The vessel’s service met an unfortunate end on September 5, 1904, when it caught fire at a dock in Goderich, Ontario. The fire, triggered by a signal lamp explosion, caused extensive damage, leading to the vessel’s abandonment. In 1905, the ABERCORN was sold to Canadian interests, effectively concluding its service. Today, its remains lie near Goderich, Ontario, in the “Goderich Boneyard,” a location known to divers and maritime historians alike.

Significant Incidents

  • 1874: Ran aground near Port Colborne, Ontario, requiring lightering.
  • October 1883: Ran aground on Spectacle Reef in Lake Huron.
  • September 5, 1904: Caught fire at a dock in Goderich, Ontario, leading to abandonment.

Final Disposition

After the fire, the ABERCORN was left heavily damaged and ultimately abandoned at Goderich. This historic wreck site remains a destination for divers, offering insight into the era’s Great Lakes steamers and the perils they faced.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the ABERCORN lies at a depth of 20 feet (6 meters) in the Goderich Boneyard, making it accessible for divers with intermediate skills. The site is known for its historical significance and is a popular spot for underwater exploration.

Resources & Links

As you explore the ABERCORN, remember to respect the site and its history. Leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring that this piece of maritime heritage remains for future generations to appreciate.