Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sidney E. Smith Jr.
- Type: Bulk freighter (later self-unloader)
- Year Built: 1906
- Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Co., Wyandotte, Michigan, USA
- Dimensions: Length 480 ft (146.3 m); Beam 52.3 ft (15.9 m); Depth 30 ft (9.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross 5,712 GT; Net 4,407 NT
- Depth at Wreck Site: 15 m / 50 ft
- Location: St. Clair River, just south of Blue Water Bridge, Port Huron, Michigan
- Coordinates: ~42°59.5′ N, 82°25.5′ W
- Official Number: 202875
- Original Owners: National Steamship Co.; Reiss Steamship Co.; American Steamship Co.; Erie Sand Steamship Co.
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled bulk freighter, riveted construction, single-screw steam propulsion with triple-expansion engine and Scotch boilers. Converted to oil-fired boilers and retrofitted as self-unloader in 1933 by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co.
Description
Launched in 1906 as W.K. Bixby for National Steamship Co. Renamed J.L. Reiss in 1920 under Reiss Steamship Co., converted to self-unloader in 1933. Transferred to Boland & Cornelius (American Steamship Co.) in 1969, then to Erie Sand Steamship Co. in 1971 and renamed Sidney E. Smith Jr.
History
On 5 June 1972, the Sidney E. Smith Jr., upbound with coal, was caught in strong currents near the Peerless Cement dock south of the Blue Water Bridge. She was struck broadside by the downbound steamer Parker Evans. The Smith capsized on her starboard side and sank within minutes in 35–50 ft of water.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the steamer Parker Evans leading to capsizing and sinking.
Final Disposition
After the sinking, environmental response teams removed approximately 49,000 gallons of bunker oil. The vessel broke in two on the river bottom. Salvage operations recovered the bow and stern sections in late 1972 and early 1973. The bow was scuttled and embedded in Sarnia’s shoreline as part of a breakwater; the stern was dismantled or similarly buried.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Wreck location known immediately post-sinking. Salvaged by U.S. Navy, USCG, and private contractors between June and November 1972. No current hazards; wreck is buried or repurposed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sidney-e-smith-jr-j-l-reissw-k-bixby-us-202875″ title=”References & Links”]
All 34 crew survived the incident, with most rescued by Capt. Robert Campbell’s pilot boat. A memorial storyboard honors the event at Sarnia’s waterfront.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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