Siberia (1882)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Siberia
• Type: Propeller Steamer
• Year Built: 1882
• Builder: Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 272 ft (82.9 m); Beam: 39 ft (11.9 m); Depth of hold: 22.5 ft (6.9 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 1,892 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 5.5 m / 18 ft
• Location: Buff Bar, Long Point, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: Loran Coordinates: 44538.6 58555.0
• Original Owners: Multiple owners including Robert R. Rhodes, John W. Moore, J.C. Gilchrist, and Gilchrist Transportation Co.
• Number of Masts: Two masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Siberia was a steel-hulled propeller steamer equipped with two masts. Designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, the steamer’s primary function was to haul goods like barley, coal, and other bulk materials. Its robust construction and large capacity made it a vital vessel for commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description

Launched in June 1882, the Siberia began its service as a reliable cargo steamer on the Great Lakes. Over its career, the vessel experienced multiple incidents and ownership changes, underscoring the inherent risks of maritime operations during this era.

History

Construction and Early Service: The Siberia was launched in June 1882 and began its service as a reliable cargo steamer on the Great Lakes. Over its career, the vessel experienced multiple incidents and ownership changes, underscoring the inherent risks of maritime operations during this era.

Significant Incidents:

• 1883: The Siberia grounded in Duluth Bay, Lake Superior, requiring assistance to refloat.
• 1885: Towed by the vessel Polynesia after a breakdown.
• 1890: The Siberia collided with and sank the steam barge Ohio in Mud Lake, St. Mary’s River. While it sank during this incident, it was raised and repaired. Later that year, it grounded on St. Joe Island, also in the St. Mary’s River.

Ownership Changes: The vessel’s ownership changed hands several times, with notable owners including:

• 1886: Robert R. Rhodes of Cleveland, Ohio.
• 1896: John W. Moore of Mentor, Ohio.
• 1901: J.C. Gilchrist and others from Cleveland.
• 1902-1903: The Island Star Transit Co. and later the Gilchrist Transportation Co. of Mentor, Ohio.

Final Modifications: In May 1903, the Siberia underwent a significant rebuild, which included alterations to its rigging and tonnage. The vessel’s dimensions and gross tonnage were adjusted, reflecting its continued importance in cargo transport.

Final Voyage and Sinking: On October 20, 1905, the Siberia was carrying a load of barley when it sank near Long Point, Lake Erie, after wrecking on Buff Bar. The steamer Lizzie Madden salvaged approximately 30,000 bushels of barley, but disagreements over salvage fees led to the abandonment of the vessel. The wreck was deemed irreparable, and the Siberia was left to rest on the lakebed.

Significant Incidents

• 1883: The Siberia grounded in Duluth Bay, Lake Superior, requiring assistance to refloat.
• 1885: Towed by the vessel Polynesia after a breakdown.
• 1890: The Siberia collided with and sank the steam barge Ohio in Mud Lake, St. Mary’s River. While it sank during this incident, it was raised and repaired. Later that year, it grounded on St. Joe Island, also in the St. Mary’s River.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Siberia lies in 18 feet (5.5 meters) of water near Buff Bar, Long Point, Lake Erie. Over the years, the vessel has decayed, but several features remain visible, including:

• The boiler
• Propeller
• Ribs and some flooring
• Decking
• Artifacts such as dishes and gauges

The shallow depth makes the site accessible for recreational divers, though visibility may vary due to sediment and water conditions.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Siberia wreck site. However, divers and mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating or exploring the area due to potential hazards from submerged wreckage.

Resources & Links

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The Siberia stands as a testament to the resilience and risks of Great Lakes maritime commerce in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its history of multiple accidents and eventual sinking highlights the challenges faced by mariners of the time. Today, the wreck site near Long Point offers divers and historians a window into the past, preserving the story of this significant Great Lakes steamer.