Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type Description

The Bessie Barwick was a wooden Barkentine, a three-masted sailing vessel with square sails on the foremast and Fore-and-Aft Sails on the main and mizzen masts. Barkentines like the Bessie Barwick were widely used in the grain trade, offering a balance of speed and cargo capacity. Its single Deck and robust design made it well-suited for transporting wheat and other bulk commodities across the Great Lakes.

History

The Bessie Barwick was constructed in 1866 by renowned shipbuilder Louis Schickluna in St. Catharines, Ontario. The vessel quickly became an integral part of the regional grain trade, primarily transporting wheat.

  • 1866: Registered in St. Catharines on May 26 and began its service.
  • 1870 & 1873: Repairs were conducted at Abbey’s dry dock in Port Robinson, Ontario, reflecting its active service life.
  • 1878: Ownership transferred to John C. Graham of St. Catharines.

In November 1880, the Bessie Barwick endured a severe storm on Lake Erie, losing significant parts of its rigging, including the foremast, jib boom, and bowsprit. The vessel was rescued by the Tug McArthur and towed to Rondeau.

By the 1880s, the Barkentine became a key player in the Duluth and Kingston grain trade, often towed by steamers. However, its reliance on steamers for navigation highlighted vulnerabilities during inclement weather.

Final Voyage and Loss

On October 28, 1887, while en route from Port Arthur to Kingston under tow by the Steamer Celtic, the Bessie Barwick faced its final storm. In Nipigon Bay, the Celtic suffered a shaft failure and released the Barkentine to fend for itself. Despite being seen on the day of the storm, the vessel disappeared for over 10 days.

The Bessie Barwick was eventually found wrecked in the shallows of Pilot Harbor, Michipicoten Island, Lake Superior. The vessel had been driven ashore by westerly gales and was pounded to pieces.

Crew and Casualties

Remarkably, there were no reported casualties. The crew, led by Captain Owen Gallagher, sought refuge with local fishermen on Michipicoten Island. They later made their way to Sault Ste. Marie in a small open boat.

Final Disposition

The Bessie Barwick was declared a Total Loss after foundering at Pilot Harbor. Owned by R.O. MacKay of Hamilton at the time of its demise, the vessel’s remains were left to the elements, marking the end of its service in the grain trade.

Resources & Links

Analysis

The Bessie Barwick represents the resilience and risks of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Its career spanned over two decades, during which it weathered storms, underwent repairs, and changed ownership multiple times. The events of October 1887 illustrate the harsh realities of relying on towage and the dangers of unpredictable weather on the Great Lakes. The survival of the crew stands as a testament to their resourcefulness and the generosity of local communities in aiding shipwreck survivors.

Keywords Bessie Barwick Barkentine Lake Superior Shipwreck Michipicoten Island Grain Trade Louis Schickluna St. Catharines Shipbuilding 19th-Century Maritime History Great Lakes Shipwrecks Pilot Harbor Wreck