Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: B.W. Blanchard
- Type: Steambarge (originally built as a package freighter)
- Year Built: 1870
- Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: 221 ft (70 m); Beam 32.4 ft (9.9 m); Depth of hold 11.8 ft (3.6 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 919.62 tons (post-reconstruction)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: North Point Reef, Thunder Bay, Lake Huron, near Alpena, Michigan
- Coordinates: N 45°01.271′ W 83°15.763′
- Official Number: US 2806
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The B.W. Blanchard was originally constructed as a package freighter, a versatile vessel type used for carrying general cargo. It was later converted into a steambarge in 1902, reflecting its transition to bulk cargo operations, primarily transporting lumber. The vessel featured a single deck, two masts, and one stack after its reconstruction, making it more suitable for heavy cargo. Its propulsion was provided by a steeple compound engine, with a single screw propeller driven by 400 horsepower.
Description
The B.W. Blanchard was built in 1870 by the shipbuilding firm Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio. The wooden-hulled vessel began its life as a package freighter, regularly operating on routes between Chicago, Milwaukee, and Buffalo. It often towed barges and transported a variety of cargo, showcasing its importance in regional trade.
History
Construction and Early Service
The B.W. Blanchard was built in 1870 by the shipbuilding firm Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio. The wooden-hulled vessel began its life as a package freighter, regularly operating on routes between Chicago, Milwaukee, and Buffalo. It often towed barges and transported a variety of cargo, showcasing its importance in regional trade.
During its early years, the vessel experienced several notable incidents:
- 1873: Collided with the steamer Arizona.
- 1878: Damaged in a collision with the scow Mary Garrett.
- 1884-1885: Sustained fire damage while docked in Milwaukee.
Reconstruction and Later Service
In 1902, the B.W. Blanchard was sold and underwent significant modifications in Chicago. It was converted into a steambarge, primarily used for lumber transportation. This reconstruction altered its dimensions, tonnage, and overall configuration, adapting it to new demands.
Final Voyage
On November 28, 1904, the B.W. Blanchard was en route from Cheboygan, Michigan, to Detroit, towing two lumber-laden barges (J.T. Johnson and John Kelderhouse). The vessel encountered a severe gale in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron, which drove it onto North Point Reef. The impact caused the vessel to break in half and sink.
Despite the destruction of the B.W. Blanchard, all crew members were successfully rescued by the U.S. Life Saving Service. Salvage efforts recovered some of the lumber and parts of the boiler, but the vessel itself was abandoned.
Significant Incidents
Final Disposition
The B.W. Blanchard remains in 10 feet (3 meters) of water at North Point Reef near Alpena, Michigan. The wreck is broken and scattered, reflecting the catastrophic damage sustained during its final voyage. It serves as a stark reminder of the hazards of navigating Lake Huron’s treacherous waters.
Current Advisories: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck. Divers and maritime enthusiasts are advised to approach the site with caution due to the shallow depths and potential hazards from debris.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the B.W. Blanchard was known immediately after its sinking in 1904 due to its proximity to shore and the rescue of its crew. Its shallow depth makes it accessible for divers and historians.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: The wreck is heavily deteriorated, with significant portions scattered across the lakebed at a depth of 10 feet (3 meters).
Accessibility: Due to its shallow depth and location near Alpena, Michigan, the site is accessible for divers and snorkelers, though care must be taken to preserve the wreckage.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”b-w-blanchard-us-2806″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The B.W. Blanchard had a storied career spanning decades, transitioning from a package freighter to a steambarge. Its ultimate demise on North Point Reef during a fierce gale in 1904 exemplifies the inherent dangers of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. The wreckage, now a part of Thunder Bay’s underwater heritage, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and risks of Great Lakes shipping in the early 20th century.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Site Information
- Name: B.W. Blanchard
- Type: Steambarge (originally built as a package freighter)
- Built: 1870 by Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio
- Final Length: 221 feet (70 meters)
- Beam (Width): 32.4 feet (9.9 meters)
- Depth: 11.8 feet (3.6 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 919.62 tons (post-reconstruction)
- Depth of Wreck: 10 feet (3 meters)
- Location: Thunder Bay, Lake Huron, near Alpena, Michigan
- Coordinates: N 45°01.271′ W 83°15.763′
- Final Resting Place: North Point Reef, Thunder Bay, Lake Huron
Vessel Type Description
The B.W. Blanchard was originally constructed as a package freighter, a versatile vessel type used for carrying general cargo. It was later converted into a steambarge in 1902, reflecting its transition to bulk cargo operations, primarily transporting lumber. The vessel featured a single deck, two masts, and one stack after its reconstruction, making it more suitable for heavy cargo. Its propulsion was provided by a steeple compound engine, with a single screw propeller driven by 400 horsepower.
History
Construction and Early Service
The B.W. Blanchard was built in 1870 by the shipbuilding firm Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio. The wooden-hulled vessel began its life as a package freighter, regularly operating on routes between Chicago, Milwaukee, and Buffalo. It often towed barges and transported a variety of cargo, showcasing its importance in regional trade.
During its early years, the vessel experienced several notable incidents:
- 1873: Collided with the steamer Arizona.
- 1878: Damaged in a collision with the scow Mary Garrett.
- 1884-1885: Sustained fire damage while docked in Milwaukee.
Reconstruction and Later Service
In 1902, the B.W. Blanchard was sold and underwent significant modifications in Chicago. It was converted into a steambarge, primarily used for lumber transportation. This reconstruction altered its dimensions, tonnage, and overall configuration, adapting it to new demands.
Final Voyage
On November 28, 1904, the B.W. Blanchard was en route from Cheboygan, Michigan, to Detroit, towing two lumber-laden barges (J.T. Johnson and John Kelderhouse). The vessel encountered a severe gale in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron, which drove it onto North Point Reef. The impact caused the vessel to break in half and sink.
Despite the destruction of the B.W. Blanchard, all crew members were successfully rescued by the U.S. Life Saving Service. Salvage efforts recovered some of the lumber and parts of the boiler, but the vessel itself was abandoned.
Final Disposition
The B.W. Blanchard remains in 10 feet (3 meters) of water at North Point Reef near Alpena, Michigan. The wreck is broken and scattered, reflecting the catastrophic damage sustained during its final voyage. It serves as a stark reminder of the hazards of navigating Lake Huron’s treacherous waters.
NOTMARs & Advisories
Current Advisories: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck. Divers and maritime enthusiasts are advised to approach the site with caution due to the shallow depths and potential hazards from debris.
Located By & Date
The wreck of the B.W. Blanchard was known immediately after its sinking in 1904 due to its proximity to shore and the rescue of its crew. Its shallow depth makes it accessible for divers and historians.
Current Condition & Accessibility
- Condition: The wreck is heavily deteriorated, with significant portions scattered across the lakebed at a depth of 10 feet (3 meters).
- Accessibility: Due to its shallow depth and location near Alpena, Michigan, the site is accessible for divers and snorkelers, though care must be taken to preserve the wreckage.
Resources & Links
- Thunder Bay Marine Museum: Insights into local shipwrecks and maritime history.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed historical records of vessels like the B.W. Blanchard.
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Vessel details and operational histories.
- Bowling Green State University Archives: Photographs and archival records.
Conclusion
The B.W. Blanchard had a storied career spanning decades, transitioning from a package freighter to a steambarge. Its ultimate demise on North Point Reef during a fierce gale in 1904 exemplifies the inherent dangers of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. The wreckage, now a part of Thunder Bay’s underwater heritage, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and risks of Great Lakes shipping in the early 20th century.
Keywords
#BWBlanchard #ThunderBay #LakeHuron #Steambarge #Shipwreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #NorthPointReef #AlpenaMichigan
The B.W. Blanchard was constructed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1870 by the shipbuilders Quayle & Martin. Initially built as a package freighter, this wooden vessel featured a length of 212.3 feet, a beam of 32.4 feet, and a depth of 12.2 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 1173.01 and was powered by a steeple compound engine, boasting 400 horsepower at 75 rpm. The B.W. Blanchard was equipped with two boilers and had a single propeller for propulsion. b-w-blanchard-u2806 1904-11-28 07:48:00