Bessie Barwick

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Bessie Barwick
• Type: Wooden Barkentine
• Year Built: 1866
• Builder: Louis Schickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario
• Dimensions: Length: 138.9 ft (42.34 m); Beam: 26.2 ft (7.98 m); Depth of hold: 10.8 ft (3.29 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Old Measurement: 329 tons; Gross Tonnage: 296.09 tons; Net Tonnage: 273.63 tons
• Location: Pilot Harbor, Michipicoten Island, Lake Superior
• Original Owners: J.D. Graham and associates, St. Catharines, Ontario; later owned by R.O. MacKay of Hamilton
• Number of Masts: Three masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Bessie Barwick was a wooden barkentine, a three-masted sailing vessel with square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the main and mizzen masts. Barkentines like the Bessie Barwick were widely used in the grain trade, offering a balance of speed and cargo capacity. Its single deck and robust design made it well-suited for transporting wheat and other bulk commodities across the Great Lakes.

Description

The Bessie Barwick was constructed in 1866 by renowned shipbuilder Louis Schickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario. The vessel quickly became an integral part of the regional grain trade, primarily transporting wheat.

History

The Bessie Barwick was registered in St. Catharines on May 26 and began its service. Repairs were conducted at Abbey’s dry dock in Port Robinson, Ontario, in 1870 and 1873, reflecting its active service life. Ownership transferred to John C. Graham of St. Catharines in 1878.

In November 1880, the Bessie Barwick endured a severe storm on Lake Erie, losing significant parts of its rigging, including the foremast, jib boom, and bowsprit. The vessel was rescued by the tug McArthur and towed to Rondeau.

By the 1880s, the barkentine became a key player in the Duluth and Kingston grain trade, often towed by steamers. However, its reliance on steamers for navigation highlighted vulnerabilities during inclement weather.

Significant Incidents

• October 28, 1887: While en route from Port Arthur to Kingston under tow by the steamer Celtic, the Bessie Barwick faced a storm. The Celtic suffered a shaft failure and released the barkentine to fend for itself. The vessel disappeared for over 10 days.

Final Disposition

The Bessie Barwick was declared a total loss after foundering at Pilot Harbor. The vessel’s remains were left to the elements, marking the end of its service in the grain trade.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Bessie Barwick is located in the shallows of Pilot Harbor, where it was driven ashore by westerly gales and pounded to pieces. The current condition of the wreck is not detailed in the sources.

Resources & Links

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The Bessie Barwick represents the resilience and risks of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Its career spanned over two decades, during which it weathered storms, underwent repairs, and changed ownership multiple times. The events of October 1887 illustrate the harsh realities of relying on towage and the dangers of unpredictable weather on the Great Lakes. The survival of the crew stands as a testament to their resourcefulness and the generosity of local communities in aiding shipwreck survivors.