Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Brandon

•Other Names: None

•Type: Schooner Barge

•Official Number: C 92535

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 540.54 tons

•Net: 516.82 tons

•Dimensions:

•Length: 167 feet (50.9 meters)

•Beam: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

•Location: Lake Superior, southwest of Isle Royale

•Depth: Approximately 600 feet (183 meters)

•Year of Loss: October 1, 1888

•Coordinates: Exact coordinates not provided

Vessel Type Description

The Brandon was a Schooner Barge built in 1887 by the Montreal Transportation Co. in Kingston, Ontario. Designed for hauling heavy cargo, the vessel featured a round Stern and three masts, with a substantial capacity reflected in its Gross Tonnage of 540.54 tons. The Brandon was part of a fleet that included the Tug Walker and other barges such as Regina and Jennie, emphasizing its role in the bulk transport of goods across the Great Lakes.

History

  • Launched: June 22, 1887
  • Built at the Montreal Transportation Co. yard, the Brandon was a relatively new vessel, valued between $15,000 and $20,000 at the time of its launch.
  • Its substantial size and capacity made it a vital component of the Great Lakes cargo fleet, handling heavy goods like grain and steel rails.

Final Voyage:

On October 1, 1888, while en route to Duluth, Minnesota, the Brandon was loaded with 1,100 tons of steel rails and towed by the Tug Walker, accompanied by the barges Regina and Jennie. During the voyage, the Brandon broke loose from its tow and became waterlogged, ultimately sinking in the deep waters southwest of Isle Royale.

The vessel’s cargo, valued at $10,000, and the Barge itself were a Total Loss. Reports at the time suggested that overloading may have contributed to the tragedy. The financial impact was compounded by the fact that the Brandon was uninsured.

Historical Impact:

The sinking of the Brandon was widely reported, illustrating the hazards of Great Lakes navigation. The vessel was likely named after Brandon, Manitoba, reflecting its role in transporting goods vital to Western Canada’s development.

Final Disposition

The Brandon sank due to waterlogging, potentially caused by overloading. The vessel and its cargo were not recovered, and the registry was closed on October 26, 1888.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck. The deepwater location makes it a challenging site to access or study, with limited modern exploration recorded.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Brandon has not been officially located or documented in modern surveys. It is presumed to rest at a depth of approximately 600 feet, undisturbed due to the challenges of deepwater exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

  • Preservation: The cold, oxygen-poor waters of Lake Superior likely contribute to the preservation of the wreck.
  • Accessibility: At a depth of 600 feet (183 meters), the site is inaccessible to recreational divers. Exploration would require advanced technologies, such as ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) or specialized submersibles.
  • Condition: Unknown, though it is speculated that the Hull and cargo may remain intact due to the lake’s unique preservation conditions.

Resources & Links

Additional Notes

  • Cargo: The steel rails onboard were crucial to the expansion of North American rail networks during the 19th century, reflecting the Brandon’s significant role in infrastructure development.
  • Ownership: The Montreal Transportation Co. suffered a severe financial loss with the sinking, exacerbated by the vessel’s lack of insurance.

Diving Notes & Recommendations

Depth: The Brandon lies in deep water, requiring specialized exploration equipment.

Recommendations: Any dive or exploration should prioritize preservation, as the wreck offers valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and Great Lakes trade.

Keywords•Brandon•Lake Superior Shipwreck•Schooner Barge•Isle Royale Wreck•19th-Century Maritime History•Great Lakes Cargo Vessels•Montreal Transportation Co.

Conclusion

The Brandon represents a significant chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Its short service life, tragic sinking, and financial loss highlight the risks inherent in 19th-century lake navigation and cargo transport. Today, the Brandon rests in the cold, deep waters of Lake Superior, a preserved testament to the challenges of an era defined by ambitious trade and industrial expansion.