Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Omar D. Conger
- Type: Steam Ferry
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: George Hardison, Port Huron, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 92.2 ft (28.1 m); Beam: 26 ft; Depth of hold: 11 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 200
- Location: Black River, Port Huron, Michigan
- Official Number: US 155055
- Original Owners: Port Huron & Sarnia Ferry Co.
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The OMAR D. CONGER was a steam ferry designed for passenger and package transport across the St. Clair River, connecting Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario.
Description
Constructed in 1882, the OMAR D. CONGER featured a robust wooden hull and a single high-pressure engine and boiler, making it suitable for daily crossings. It had a length of 92.2 feet, a beam of 26 feet, and a depth of 11 feet, with a gross tonnage of 200.
History
The ferry was integral to local transportation and trade, operating under the Port Huron & Sarnia Ferry Co. since 1891. It faced several incidents, including being stranded in ice in 1893 and suffering a significant fire at Black River Dock in 1901.
Significant Incidents
- Ice Incident (1893): Stranded in ice with passengers aboard.
- Fire at Black River Dock (1901): Significant fire damage led to reconstruction.
- Operational Challenges: Frequently navigated alongside contemporaries like GRACE DORMER and JAS. BEARD.
Final Disposition
On March 26, 1922, the OMAR D. CONGER was destroyed by a catastrophic boiler explosion while docked, resulting in the loss of four lives and extensive damage to nearby structures.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the OMAR D. CONGER is confirmed, but details regarding its current condition and accessibility for divers are not specified. Divers are encouraged to practice no-touch documentation methods and to leave the site better than they found it.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”omar-d-conger-us-155055″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The story of the OMAR D. CONGER serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with early steam-powered vessels and the importance of maritime safety. Its legacy continues to be a significant part of Great Lakes history.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
The OMAR D. CONGER, a steam ferry constructed in 1882, played a pivotal role in connecting Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario, facilitating commerce and community ties across the St. Clair River. This narrative explores the ferry’s history, specifications, service highlights, and the tragic boiler explosion on March 26, 1922, that led to the loss of four lives. It examines historical records and local testimonies to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the catastrophe.
Construction and Specifications
- Builder: George Hardison, Port Huron, Michigan
- Year Built: 1882
- Dimensions:
- Length: 92.2 feet
- Beam: 26 feet
- Depth: 11 feet
- Gross Tonnage: 200
- Net Tonnage: 159
- Propulsion: Single high-pressure engine and boiler
- Purpose: Passenger and package ferry
The ferry’s robust wooden hull and high-pressure steam engine made it suitable for daily crossings, carrying passengers, cargo, and packages between the United States and Canada.
Years of Service and Incidents
Throughout its service, the OMAR D. CONGER was instrumental in local transportation and trade. Notable events include:
- Ice Incident (1893): The ferry was stranded in ice with passengers aboard, a testament to the challenging winters on the St. Clair River.
- Fire at Black River Dock (1901): A significant fire damaged the ferry, necessitating its reconstruction.
- Operational Challenges: The vessel frequently navigated alongside contemporaries such as the GRACE DORMER and JAS. BEARD, contributing to the bustling ferry operations in the region.
In 1891, its operations were consolidated under the Port Huron & Sarnia Ferry Co., founded by D. N. Runnels and James Moffat.
The Tragic Explosion
On March 26, 1922, the OMAR D. CONGER met its tragic end while docked on the Black River in Port Huron. A catastrophic boiler explosion destroyed the vessel, scattering debris throughout the area. The explosion caused extensive damage to nearby buildings and vessels and resulted in the tragic loss of four lives.
Casualties:
Four individuals lost their lives, leaving a legacy of sorrow for their families and the community.
Extent of Damage:
The force of the blast obliterated the ferry’s upperworks, scattering pieces of the engine and wooden superstructure across Port Huron.
Investigation into the Explosion
The cause of the explosion remains a mystery. Two primary theories emerged:
- Unattended Boiler: Historical accounts suggest that the boiler may have been left unattended, leading to an overpressure situation.
- Explosives Cargo: Some witnesses speculated that an unregistered cargo of explosives aboard the ferry ignited, intensifying the blast.
The exact cause remains unconfirmed, but the explosion underscores the dangers of early steam-powered vessels and the challenges of safety protocols during the era.
Legacy and Conclusion
The OMAR D. CONGER, once a symbol of connection and commerce between Port Huron and Sarnia, met a tragic end that highlighted the vulnerabilities of early steam vessels. Its loss marked the close of a chapter in the region’s maritime history, leaving behind unanswered questions and a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those who worked aboard these vessels.
The ferry’s story, from its construction in 1882 to its catastrophic demise in 1922, remains an enduring part of Great Lakes history. The circumstances of its final moments continue to intrigue historians and serve as a cautionary tale for maritime safety.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Local Historical Archives, Port Huron
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