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.

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Britannic (also known as SARNOR)
• Type: Wooden Propeller Bulk Freighter
• Dimensions:
  • Original:
    • 219.2 ft (66.8 m) length
    • 36.2 ft (11.0 m) beam
    • 17 ft (5.2 m) depth
  • After Rebuild:
    • 227 ft (69.2 m) length
    • 36 ft (11.0 m) beam
    • 21 ft (6.4 m) depth
• Tonnage:
  • Gross: 1121 tons
  • Net: 904 tons
• Power: Screw propulsion, fore-and-aft compound engine, 495 HP (369 kW), 115-pound steam firebox boiler
• Location: Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N44 06.966′, W76 33.652′
• Depth: 98 feet (30 meters) of freshwater

History

The Britannic, built in 1888 by James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan, was a wooden bulk freighter designed for hauling heavy loads such as ore. Initially enrolled in Port Huron, the vessel was a prominent part of the Ashland ore trade, frequently towing barges across the Great Lakes. Its robust design and twin-deck construction made it a reliable and powerful asset in the competitive shipping industry.

The Britannic’s operational life was punctuated by significant events and transformations. Under new ownership with the Lake Erie & Quebec Transportation Co., the ship was renamed SARNOR. The renaming coincided with extensive modifications to extend the vessel’s utility, demonstrating its adaptability over decades of service.

Final Disposition

The Britannic’s long career came to a close after several incidents, including a collision with the steamer RUSSIA in 1895 in the Detroit River, which caused the Britannic to sink. Despite being raised and rebuilt in Marine City, the vessel’s operational condition gradually declined. By 1936, the freighter was considered obsolete.

In 1937, the Britannic was deliberately scuttled at the Wolfe Island Graveyard near Nine Mile Point in Lake Ontario. The vessel now rests in 98 feet (30 meters) of water, serving as a historical marker of the era when wooden freighters dominated the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Britannic’s wreck lies intact at the Wolfe Island Graveyard, a known site for divers and maritime historians. Its wooden structure has been well-preserved in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario, providing a fascinating glimpse into 19th- and early 20th-century shipbuilding techniques. The depth of 98 feet (30 meters) makes it accessible to experienced divers equipped for moderately deep dives.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Britannic wreck. However, the Wolfe Island Graveyard is a known wreck site, and divers should exercise caution when exploring the area.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Comprehensive records of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the Britannic.
• Great Lakes Now Shipwrecks: Historical context and exploration updates for Great Lakes wrecks.
• Lloyd’s Register of Ships Online: Detailed registry information for historical vessels like the Britannic.

Analysis

The Britannic, later known as SARNOR, encapsulates the lifecycle of Great Lakes bulk freighters, transitioning from robust utility vessels to obsolescence. The ship’s collision, rebuilds, and ultimate scuttling reflect the relentless demands placed on vessels navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. Today, the Britannic’s wreck provides valuable insights into the era of wooden freighters, contributing to the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario.

Keywords• Britannic• SARNOR• Bulk Freighter• Wolfe Island Graveyard• Lake Ontario Shipwreck• Wooden Propeller Vessel• 19th-Century Freighters• Great Lakes Maritime History

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