Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Samson
- Type: Wooden freight barge
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: J. O’Leary, Wallaceburg, Ontario
- Dimensions: 81 × 21 × 4 ft; approx. 52 tons
- Registered Tonnage: 52 tons
- Location: Near Belle Isle, Detroit River
- Original Owners: McRae of Wallaceburg
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden freight barge
Description
Samson was a wooden freight barge built in 1873 by J. O’Leary in Wallaceburg, Ontario. It measured 81 feet in length, 21 feet in beam, and had a depth of 4 feet, with a registered tonnage of approximately 52 tons. The barge was owned by McRae of Wallaceburg and was carrying 100 cords of wood at the time of its loss.
History
The Samson was towed by the small tug Comet on the Detroit River, bound for Detroit. On April 25, 1879, a spark from Comet‘s smokestack ignited the barge, leading to a rapidly spreading fire. The crew abandoned ship, and Samson was burned to a total loss, drifting before eventually sinking. Fortunately, there were no casualties as all crew members were safely removed in time.
Significant Incidents
- April 25, 1879: Fire ignited by a spark from the tug Comet‘s smokestack, leading to the abandonment of Samson and its eventual sinking.
Final Disposition
The Samson was completely consumed by fire and left drifting before sinking in the Detroit River. The incident highlights the fire hazards associated with barge-to-steam-tug operations.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of Samson is located near Belle Isle on the Detroit River. While the fire likely consumed much of the timber, metal fittings may still remain. A side-scan sonar or magnetic sweep could be employed to locate any debris.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”samson-1873″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of Samson serves as a reminder of the dangers present in maritime operations, particularly the rapid onset of fire hazards. The incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and response in preventing casualties during such events.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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