Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: MARY N. BOURKE
- Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Thomas Nester, Baraga, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 219 ft (66.7 m); Beam: 35 ft (10.7 m); Depth of hold: 15.9 ft (4.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 920 tons; Net Tonnage: 874 tons; Cargo Capacity: 1,250,000 feet of lumber or 2,600 tons
- Location: Pine River, St. Ignace, Michigan, St. Martin’s Bay
- Original Owners: W.A. Bourke & Co.; D.C. Parson, Detroit (by 1914)
- Number of Masts: Originally four masts, reduced to two around 1909
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
Description
The MARY N. BOURKE was modeled after the schooner-barge THOMAS NESTER, designed for the Great Lakes lumber and bulk freight trade. With a substantial cargo capacity, it was well-suited for its role in the region’s thriving lumber industry.
History
Construction and Design: Built in 1889 by Thomas Nester, the vessel was designed for durability and efficiency. It operated primarily as a schooner-barge, towed by the steamer SCHOOLCRAFT and involved in transporting lumber and bulk goods throughout the Great Lakes.
Service Life (1889–1914): The MARY N. BOURKE was heavily involved in the lumber trade until its loss in 1914.
Significant Incidents
Final Incident (September 26, 1914):
- While docked at Peter’s Lumber Dock in Pine River, a fire broke out in the hold.
- The crew of six escaped without injury.
- The vessel burned to the waterline, destroying the dock and a significant pile of lumber.
Final Disposition
Cause of Loss: Fire; details of its origin remain unknown.
Fate of the Vessel: Destroyed by fire and rendered a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the MARY N. BOURKE serves as a reminder of the hazards faced by wooden vessels in the lumber trade during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mary-n-bourke” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
This report provides a comprehensive account of the MARY N. BOURKE’s operational history and tragic loss, preserving its legacy within the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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