Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Brandon C 92535

Explore the wreck of the Brandon, a 19th-century schooner barge resting in Lake Superior, a testament to maritime history and the challenges of Great Lakes navigation.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Brandon
  • Type: Schooner Barge
  • Year Built: 1887
  • Builder: Montreal Transportation Co.
  • Dimensions: 167 ft (50.9 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Registered Tonnage: 540.54 gross tons; 516.82 net tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 183 m / 600 ft
  • Location: Lake Superior, southwest of Isle Royale
  • Coordinates: Exact coordinates not provided
  • Official Number: C 92535
  • Original Owners: Montreal Transportation Co.
  • Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Brandon was a schooner barge built in 1887 by the Montreal Transportation Co. in Kingston, Ontario. Designed for hauling heavy cargo, the vessel featured a round stern and three masts, with a substantial capacity reflected in its gross tonnage of 540.54 tons. The Brandon was part of a fleet that included the tug Walker and other barges such as Regina and Jennie, emphasizing its role in the bulk transport of goods across the Great Lakes.

Description

The Brandon was a significant vessel in the Great Lakes cargo fleet, primarily used for transporting heavy goods like grain and steel rails. Its construction and design were tailored for durability and capacity, making it a vital asset for the Montreal Transportation Co.

History

  • Launched: June 22, 1887
  • Built at the Montreal Transportation Co. yard, the Brandon was a relatively new vessel, valued between $15,000 and $20,000 at the time of its launch.
  • Its substantial size and capacity made it a vital component of the Great Lakes cargo fleet, handling heavy goods like grain and steel rails.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage: On October 1, 1888, while en route to Duluth, Minnesota, the Brandon was loaded with 1,100 tons of steel rails and towed by the tug Walker, accompanied by the barges Regina and Jennie. During the voyage, the Brandon broke loose from its tow and became waterlogged, ultimately sinking in the deep waters southwest of Isle Royale.

The vessel’s cargo, valued at $10,000, and the barge itself were a total loss. Reports at the time suggested that overloading may have contributed to the tragedy. The financial impact was compounded by the fact that the Brandon was uninsured.

Final Disposition

  • Date of Loss: October 1, 1888
  • Location: Southwest of Isle Royale, Lake Superior
  • Depth: 600 feet (183 meters)

The Brandon sank due to waterlogging, potentially caused by overloading. The vessel and its cargo were not recovered, and the registry was closed on October 26, 1888.

Current Condition & Accessibility

  • Preservation: The cold, oxygen-poor waters of Lake Superior likely contribute to the preservation of the wreck.
  • Accessibility: At a depth of 600 feet (183 meters), the site is inaccessible to recreational divers. Exploration would require advanced technologies, such as ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) or specialized submersibles.
  • Condition: Unknown, though it is speculated that the hull and cargo may remain intact due to the lake’s unique preservation conditions.

Resources & Links

The Brandon represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its short service life, tragic sinking, and financial loss highlight the risks inherent in 19th-century lake navigation and cargo transport. Today, the Brandon rests in the cold, deep waters of Lake Superior, a preserved testament to the challenges of an era defined by ambitious trade and industrial expansion.