Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Maggie McRae
  • Other Names: None
  • Official Number: C90697
  • Type: Barge
    • Length: Not specified
    • Beam: Not specified
    • Depth: Not specified
    • Gross Tonnage: Not specified
  • Location of Sinking: Lake Superior, approximately 10 miles from Port Arthur, Ontario
  • Depth at Wreck Site: Not provided
  • Coordinates: Not available

Vessel Type Description

The Maggie McRae was a Barge designed for transporting bulk goods, a vital part of the shipping operations on the Great Lakes. Barges like the Maggie McRae were commonly used to carry heavy cargo such as coal, lumber, or grain and were often towed by larger vessels. Their construction emphasized durability to withstand the harsh environments of the Great Lakes.

History

The Maggie McRae was active in the transport trade on Lake Superior, operating out of Port Arthur, Ontario. On a voyage in 1888, the Barge encountered thick ice just 10 miles down the lake from Port Arthur. The ice crushed its bow (“stove in”), causing critical damage that ultimately led to its sinking.

Despite the damage, the Maggie McRae stayed afloat for about an hour, which allowed the crew of seven to escape and survive. This incident exemplifies the hazards of navigating icy waters, especially in an era when vessels lacked modern ice-breaking technologies or robust structural reinforcements.

Final Disposition

The Maggie McRae sank after succumbing to the damage inflicted by thick ice on Lake Superior. All crew members survived thanks to the hour-long delay before the vessel fully submerged.

The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and there have been no documented recovery or exploration efforts. Given the challenges of Lake Superior’s conditions, it is possible the wreck lies in a state of significant deterioration, obscured by sediment and cold water.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the Maggie McRae.

Located By & Date

There is no record of the wreck’s discovery or detailed exploration. The precise location and condition remain unconfirmed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the Maggie McRae is unknown due to the absence of reports about its discovery or examination. The likely state of the wreck is deteriorated, given the passage of time and the environmental conditions of Lake Superior. Its accessibility for divers or researchers remains uncertain without confirmed coordinates or details.

Resources & Links

Keywords•Maggie McRae•Barge•Lake Superior•Shipwreck•Ice Damage•Port Arthur•Maritime History•Great Lakes Shipwreck

Conclusion

The story of the Maggie McRae highlights the significant risks faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly during the ice season. While its crew survived, the sinking underscores the challenges of navigating these waters with the limited technology of the 19th century. The vessel’s final resting place remains a mystery, adding to the allure of Great Lakes shipwreck history. The Maggie McRaeserves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and peril inherent in maritime commerce of the era.