• Name: E.W. Oglebay
  • Former Names: None
  • Official Registration Number: 136547
  • Date Built & Launched: 1896
  • Builder: F. W. Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, Michigan (Hull No. 114)
  • Construction: Steel-hulled, propeller-driven bulk freighter
  • Tonnage: 3,666 gross tons (approx. 3,325 metric tonnes); 3,019 net tons (approx. 2,740 metric tonnes)
  • Dimensions: 376 ft x 46 ft x 23 ft (approx. 114.6 m x 14.0 m x 7.0 m)
  • Date Lost: December 8, 1927
  • Location of Loss: Shot Point, 10 miles (16 km) east of Marquette, Michigan, Lake Superior
  • Coordinates: Not specified
  • Cargo at Time of Loss: None (travelling light)
  • Cause of Loss: Driven ashore by a northeast blizzard/gale
  • Crew: No casualties reported
  • Final Disposition: Gutted by fire after grounding; Hull later towed to Drummond Island and sunk for dock facing
  • Owner at Time of Loss: Not specified
  • Sources: Great Lakes Vessel History, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, greatlakesvesselhistory.com)

Vessel Type(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)

The E.W. Oglebay was a steel-hulled, propeller-driven bulk freighter, commonly referred to as a “laker.” These vessels were specifically designed for transporting bulk cargoes such as iron ore, coal, and grain through the Great Lakes and their connecting waterways. The E.W. Oglebay was among the larger freighters of her time, reflecting the industrial growth and demand for efficient cargo transport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Description(WXYZ 7 News Detroit)

Constructed in 1896 by F. W. Wheeler & Co. in West Bay City, Michigan, the E.W. Oglebay measured 376 feet in length, 46 feet in beam, and 23 feet in depth (approx. 114.6 m x 14.0 m x 7.0 m). With a Gross Tonnage of 3,666 tons (approx. 3,325 metric tonnes), she was built to handle substantial cargo loads. Her steel construction and propeller-driven design were indicative of the technological advancements in shipbuilding during that era, aiming to enhance durability and propulsion efficiency.

History(Grunge)

The E.W. Oglebay served as a bulk freighter on the Great Lakes for over three decades, primarily transporting iron ore and other bulk commodities essential to the industrial sectors of the United States and Canada. On December 8, 1927, while traveling light and upbound for Fort William, Ontario, she encountered a severe northeast blizzard on Lake Superior. The storm’s intensity caused the vessel to be driven ashore at Shot Point, approximately 10 miles (16 km) east of Marquette, Michigan. Following the grounding, the E.W. Oglebay was gutted by fire, rendering her a Total Loss. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported among the crew.(Facebook, Military Wiki)

Final Disposition

After the incident, the remains of the E.W. Oglebay were deemed unsalvageable for continued service. Subsequently, the Hull was towed to Drummond Island, located at the head of Lake Huron, where it was intentionally sunk to serve as dock facing. This practice was common during that period, repurposing the remains of ships to reinforce and protect dock structures.(greatlakesvesselhistory.com)

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the E.W. Oglebay was visible at Shot Point following the grounding in 1927. Historical accounts indicate that during the winter months, ice skaters from Marquette would venture out to view the wreckage, highlighting its prominence and accessibility at the time. (greatlakesvesselhistory.com, Marquette Regional History Center)

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the E.W. Oglebay. Mariners operating in the vicinity of Shot Point should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The E.W. Oglebay exemplifies the challenges faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Her loss underscores the perils of navigating these vast inland seas, particularly during severe weather events. The vessel’s subsequent use as dock facing at Drummond Island reflects the practical approaches to shipwreck management during that era.(greatlakesvesselhistory.com)

Suggested Keywords & Categories(Reddit)

Keywords: E.W. Oglebay, Lake Superior shipwreck, Shot Point, 1927 storm, Great Lakes freighter, Drummond Island dock facing(greatlakesvesselhistory.com)

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Superior, Great Lakes Maritime History, 20th-Century Bulk Freighters, Maritime Disasters

Glossary Terms:

  • Laker: A type of cargo ship specifically designed for use on the Great Lakes, characterized by a long, narrow Hull to navigate the locks and canals of the region.
  • Shot Point: A geographic location on the southern shore of Lake Superior, east of Marquette, Michigan, known for its rocky shoreline and historical shipwrecks.
  • Drummond Island: An island located at the head of Lake Huron, utilized for various maritime purposes, including the repurposing of ship hulls for dock construction.
  • Dock Facing: The practice of using materials, such as ship hulls, to reinforce and protect dock structures from erosion and damage.
  • Great Lakes Freighter: A cargo vessel designed for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes, integral to the region’s industrial supply chain.