Briton (1891)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Briton
• Type: Bulk Freighter
• Year Built: 1891
• Builder: Globe Iron Works
• Dimensions: Length: 296 ft (99 m); Beam: 40 ft (12.2 m); Depth of hold: 24.6 ft (7.5 m)
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
• Location: Port Colborne, Lake Erie
• Original Owners: Menominee Transit Company, National Steel Company, Canada Atlantic Line, Pittsburgh Steamship Company, Intercoast Steamship Company, Buckeye Steamship Company of Cleveland

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Briton was a steel-built bulk freighter constructed in 1891 to meet the growing demands of Great Lakes shipping. Equipped with a triple expansion steam engine, the vessel was engineered to handle heavy and bulky cargoes like grain, coal, flax, and wheat efficiently. It was part of a fleet of workhorse vessels crucial to the industrial boom around the lakes, linking agricultural and industrial regions to markets across North America.

Description

The Briton was launched in 1891 by Globe Iron Works of Cleveland, Ohio, one of the premier shipbuilders of the era. Owned initially by the Menominee Transit Company, the vessel became a symbol of industrial might and Great Lakes transportation during its operational years.

History

Notable Incidents:

• June 2, 1892: The Briton collided with the steamer Progress in the Detroit River, causing the sinking of the Progress. The Briton sustained damages but was repaired and returned to service.
• Ownership Changes: Over its lifetime, the freighter was owned by multiple operators, including the National Steel Company, Canada Atlantic Line, Pittsburgh Steamship Company, Intercoast Steamship Company, and eventually the Buckeye Steamship Company of Cleveland.
• The Briton was integral to the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, playing a key role in sustaining both industrial and agricultural economies in the region.

Significant Incidents

Final Disposition:

On November 13, 1929, the Briton ran aground at Point Abino, near Buffalo, New York, due to poor visibility caused by fog and a faulty navigation aid. Salvage attempts were initiated but ultimately failed. Declared a navigational hazard, the ship was destroyed using dynamite in 1932.

Today, the wreck of the Briton lies submerged near Point Abino, partially dismantled but still attracting the interest of divers and maritime historians.

Final Disposition

The wreck’s destruction as a navigational hazard occurred around 1932. The wreck itself remains near Point Abino, but the exact date of documentation or exploration is unspecified.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The wreck was significantly damaged by dynamite in 1932. Large portions of the ship may be scattered, making the site less intact than other historical wrecks.

Accessibility: The shallow depth (10 feet/3 meters) makes the site accessible for divers, particularly those interested in exploring remnants of bulk freighter design and industrial history.

•Caution: Visibility and currents in Lake Erie can vary, necessitating careful planning for dive safety.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”briton-1891″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The Briton exemplifies the evolution of bulk freighter design and its critical role in shaping the industrial history of the Great Lakes. Despite its grounding and subsequent destruction, the freighter remains a testament to the importance of maritime commerce in North America’s economic expansion. The wreck site near Point Abino provides a tangible connection to this storied past, drawing the interest of divers, historians, and maritime enthusiasts alike.