Shotline Diving

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Albany (Orion) US 106306

Explore the wrecks of the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA, two steamers lost in a tragic collision in 1893 off Point Aux Barques, Lake Huron.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Albany (Orion)
  • Type: Steamer
  • Year Built: 1884
  • Builder: Detroit Dry-Dock Company
  • Dimensions: Large vessel with advanced design for its era
  • Registered Tonnage: $175,000
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 61 m / 200 ft
  • Location: Off Point Aux Barques, Lake Huron
  • Coordinates: Not precisely documented; located near Point Aux Barques.
  • Official Number: US 106306
  • Original Owners: Western Transportation Company, Buffalo
  • Number of Masts: N/A

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Names: ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA.

Wreck Types: Steamers.

Description

ALBANY: A steel steamer built in 1884, the ALBANY was designed for transporting grain from Chicago and Milwaukee to Buffalo. It was valued at approximately $175,000 and rated A1 in Inland Lloyds, indicating top-tier condition and insurability.

PHILADELPHIA: An iron steamer built in 1867 by David Bell, the PHILADELPHIA was smaller than the ALBANY and designed for versatile cargo, including coal and general merchandise from Buffalo. It was valued at around $90,000 and rated A2 in Inland Lloyds, reflecting good condition.

History

On November 7, 1893, under dense fog conditions, the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA collided off Point Aux Barques, Lake Huron. The PHILADELPHIA struck the ALBANY head-on, causing severe structural damage to both vessels. The ALBANY sank shortly after the collision, while the PHILADELPHIA drifted and sank 30 minutes later.

Significant Incidents

  • Rescue Efforts: Crews of both vessels evacuated into two lifeboats. One lifeboat, carrying both captains and 20 crew members, reached Point Aux Barques safely the next morning.
  • Casualties: Conflicting reports exist regarding loss of life. Some accounts indicate no loss of life, while others suggest eight lives were lost, with 13 bodies recovered and 10 individuals unaccounted for. A second lifeboat is believed to have been struck by the drifting PHILADELPHIA.

Final Disposition

Both vessels rest at the bottom of Lake Huron at a depth of approximately 200 feet (61 meters). The exact wreck locations of the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA remain largely undocumented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wrecks symbolize a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, reflecting the technological evolution and vulnerabilities of 19th-century shipping. They serve as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by early mariners on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

The collision between the ALBANY and PHILADELPHIA is a reminder of the dangers of Great Lakes navigation, particularly in the era before modern navigation tools. The wrecks rest as silent witnesses to one of Lake Huron’s most tragic shipping disasters.