Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: BENJ. F. BRUCE (also known as BENJAMIN F. BRUCE)
- Type: Three-Masted Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: William Crosthwaite, East Saginaw, Michigan
- Dimensions: 196 ft (59.7 m); Beam: 33.5 ft (10.2 m); Depth of hold: 13.9 ft (4.2 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 729 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 9.1 m / 30 ft
- Location: Head of Mud Lake, near Sailor’s Encampment, St. Mary’s River, Lake Huron
- Official Number: US 2860
- Original Owners: J.C. Gilchrist of Cleveland, Ohio (at time of sinking)
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The BENJ. F. BRUCE was a robust wooden schooner specifically designed for the heavy cargo trade on the Great Lakes. Its three-masted rig and sizable hull made it well-suited for transporting bulk commodities like iron ore, which was vital to the region’s economy. The vessel’s sturdy construction typified the 19th-century wooden schooners that facilitated maritime commerce in the region.
Description
The BENJ. F. BRUCE was built in 1873 by prominent shipbuilder William Crosthwaite, and was a significant addition to the fleet of Great Lakes vessels. Initially owned by its builder, it changed hands multiple times, with J.C. Gilchrist of Cleveland, Ohio, listed as the owner at the time of its sinking.
History
Final Voyage
On October 17, 1895, while under tow by the steamer CUMBERLAND, the BENJ. F. BRUCE carried a heavy load of iron ore through the treacherous waters of the St. Mary’s River. The vessel struck a submerged boulder near Sailor’s Encampment at the head of Mud Lake, resulting in catastrophic hull damage. The schooner quickly sank in 30 feet (9.1 meters) of water. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
Aftermath
The wreck posed a navigational hazard in one of the Great Lakes’ busiest waterways. To prevent future incidents, the BENJ. F. BRUCE was dynamited in 1896, a common practice at the time for removing shipwreck obstructions. The schooner was valued at $18,000 at the time of its loss—a substantial investment that was deemed a total loss. The ship’s final registration in Sandusky, Ohio, was canceled shortly after the incident.
Significant Incidents
- The BENJ. F. BRUCE sank on October 17, 1895, after striking a submerged boulder.
- The wreck was dynamited in 1896 to remove it as a navigational hazard.
Final Disposition
The BENJ. F. BRUCE was destroyed by dynamiting in 1896. Any remnants of the vessel are likely scattered debris or buried under sediment, making it highly unlikely as a viable dive or exploration site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Due to dynamiting, no significant remains of the schooner are expected to be intact. The site holds minimal value for exploration or diving activities.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”benj-f-bruce-benjamin-f-bruce-us-2860″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The BENJ. F. BRUCE exemplifies the challenges faced by schooners navigating narrow, rocky waterways like the St. Mary’s River. The vessel’s role in transporting iron ore underscores the economic importance of maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Though little remains of the BENJ. F. BRUCE today, its story serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation and the resilience of the mariners who braved these waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →