Vessel Identification

  • Vessel Name: EMPIRE STATE
  • Type: Propeller-driven vessel (specific details unknown)
  • Additional Specifications: No further details on the vessel’s size, build date, or construction are available.
  • Incident Summary
    • Date of Incident: August 14, 1868
    • Location: Lake Huron
    • Incident Type: Collision and Sinking
  • Vessel Involved in Collision: Three-masted Schooner-Barque DUNDERBURGH

On August 14, 1868, the propeller-driven vessel EMPIRE STATE collided with the DUNDERBURGH on Lake Huron. The collision led to the rapid sinking of the EMPIRE STATE, which went down in approximately ten minutes following the impact. The DUNDERBURGH, although damaged, managed to make it to Sarnia in a sinking condition.

Collision Details

  • Collision Cause: Specific details about the cause of the collision are not documented, but such incidents were often due to limited navigational technology, poor Visibility, or congested waters.
  • Result: The EMPIRE STATE sustained catastrophic damage that caused it to sink within minutes. The crew’s actions in these final moments are not recorded, and it is unclear whether there were any injuries or fatalities resulting from the incident.

Vessel Background

Though specifics about the EMPIRE STATE’s construction, dimensions, or operational history are not documented, propeller vessels like the EMPIRE STATE were common on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Typically, these vessels were designed for cargo and passenger transport and relied on steam-powered propeller systems for propulsion, a relatively modern innovation for the time. Propeller-driven vessels were known for their reliability and power, able to navigate the vast and sometimes unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes more effectively than sail-driven vessels.

The EMPIRE STATE was one of many steam-powered propeller vessels that supported the expanding trade network on the Great Lakes. However, the vessel’s specifications and its history prior to this incident remain largely unknown, suggesting that it may not have been heavily documented or was perhaps operated by smaller shipping firms without significant archival records.

Historical Context and Significance

The loss of the EMPIRE STATE highlights the hazards of Great Lakes navigation in the mid-19th century. As the number of vessels on the Great Lakes increased, so did the risk of collisions. The accident involving the EMPIRE STATE and the DUNDERBURGH is one of many incidents during this era, reflecting the dangers posed by congested waters, limited Visibility, and rudimentary navigation aids.

In addition to its historical significance, the rapid sinking of the EMPIRE STATE underscores the vulnerability of wooden vessels to damage during collisions. The vessel’s swift demise in just ten minutes is indicative of the structural limits of wooden-hulled propeller vessels when faced with significant impact.

Conclusion

The EMPIRE STATE remains a relatively mysterious vessel in Great Lakes history due to the limited information on its specifications and background. However, its tragic end following a collision with the DUNDERBURGH serves as a testament to the challenges of maritime navigation on Lake Huron and the inherent risks associated with the growth of trade on the Great Lakes. The loss of the EMPIRE STATE in August 1868 is one of many incidents from that period that highlight the urgent need for advancements in navigational safety and vessel design, which would gradually evolve in the years that followed.