Mary Birckhead US 17618

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Mary Birckhead
• Type: Two-masted schooner-barge
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: Jackson or Oak Harbor, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Lime-Kiln Crossing, Detroit River, Michigan
• Official Number: US 17618
• Original Owners: P. H. Birckhead and partners, Toledo, Ohio; later Peter H. Fick, Saginaw, Michigan (1890)
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Mary Birckhead was a two-masted schooner-barge, designed primarily for the transportation of bulk cargo, particularly coal.

Description

Constructed in 1867, the Mary Birckhead featured a wooden hull and was built to withstand the rigors of Great Lakes navigation. It was primarily used for cargo transportation, making several trips across the Great Lakes during its service life.

History

Service Life (1867–1891): The Mary Birckhead was constructed in 1867 as a sturdy wooden schooner-barge designed for bulk cargo transport. Over its career, it changed hands several times, carrying goods across the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage:

• Cargo: Coal, bound for Port Huron, Michigan.
• Tow Vessel: Tug Annie Moiles
• Incident: While navigating the Detroit River, the Mary Birckhead collided with the steamer Roman near Lime-Kiln Crossing. The collision caused catastrophic damage, and the schooner-barge sank rapidly.

Outcome:

• The vessel was declared a total loss.
• Fortunately, no crew members perished in the incident.

Aftermath:

• The wreck posed a major navigational hazard, partially obstructing the channel.
• Resolution: Authorities used dynamite to blow apart the remnants of the wreck, clearing the channel and ensuring safe passage for other vessels.

Significant Incidents

• Cause of Loss: Collision with the steamer Roman
• Fate of Vessel: Dynamited and removed from the channel

Final Disposition

The Mary Birckhead was declared a total loss following its collision and subsequent sinking. The wreck was removed from the channel to ensure navigational safety.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The site of the Mary Birckhead is no longer visible as the wreck was dynamited and cleared from the channel. However, its story remains a significant part of maritime history in the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

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The tragic loss of the Mary Birckhead serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the busy waterways of the Great Lakes. It highlights the importance of safety protocols in maritime navigation.