Identification & Site Information
• Name: Britannic (also known as SARNOR)
• Type: Wooden Propeller Bulk Freighter
• Dimensions:
• Original: 219.2 ft (66.8 m) length, 36.2 ft (11.0 m) beam, 17 ft (5.2 m) depth
• After Rebuild: 227 ft (69.2 m) length, 36 ft (11.0 m) beam, 21 ft (6.4 m) depth
• Tonnage:
• Gross: 1121 tons
• Net: 904 tons
• Power: Screw Propulsion, fore-and-aft compound engine, 495 HP (369 kW), 115-pound steam Firebox Boiler
• Location: Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: N44 06.966’, W76 33.652’
• Depth: 98 feet (30 meters) of freshwater
History
The Britannic, built in 1888 by James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan, was a wooden bulk freighter designed for hauling heavy loads such as ore. Initially enrolled in Port Huron, the vessel was a prominent part of the Ashland ore trade, frequently towing barges across the Great Lakes. Its robust design and twin-Deck construction made it a reliable and powerful asset in the competitive shipping industry.
The Britannic’s operational life was punctuated by significant events and transformations. Under new ownership with the Lake Erie & Quebec Transportation Co., the ship was renamed SARNOR. The renaming coincided with extensive modifications to extend the vessel’s utility, demonstrating its adaptability over decades of service.
Final Disposition
The Britannic’s long career came to a close after several incidents, including a collision with the Steamer RUSSIA in 1895 in the Detroit River, which caused the Britannic to sink. Despite being raised and Rebuilt in Marine City, the vessel’s operational condition gradually declined. By 1936, the freighter was considered obsolete.
In 1937, the Britannic was deliberately scuttled at the Wolfe Island Graveyard near Nine Mile Point in Lake Ontario. The vessel now rests in 98 feet (30 meters) of water, serving as a historical marker of the era when wooden freighters dominated the Great Lakes shipping industry.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Britannic’s wreck lies intact at the Wolfe Island Graveyard, a known site for divers and maritime historians. Its wooden structure has been well-preserved in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario, providing a fascinating glimpse into 19th- and early 20th-century shipbuilding techniques. The depth of 98 feet (30 meters) makes it accessible to experienced divers equipped for moderately deep dives.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Britannic wreck. However, the Wolfe Island Graveyard is a known wreck site, and divers should exercise caution when exploring the area.
Resources & Links
• David Swayze Shipwreck Database: Comprehensive records of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the Britannic.
• Great Lakes Now Shipwrecks: Historical context and exploration updates for Great Lakes wrecks.
• Lloyd’s Register of Ships Online: Detailed registry information for historical vessels like the Britannic.
Analysis
The Britannic, later known as SARNOR, encapsulates the lifecycle of Great Lakes bulk freighters, transitioning from robust utility vessels to obsolescence. The ship’s collision, rebuilds, and ultimate scuttling reflect the relentless demands placed on vessels navigating the challenging waters of the Great Lakes. Today, the Britannic’s wreck provides valuable insights into the era of wooden freighters, contributing to the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario.
Keywords
• Britannic
• SARNOR
• Bulk Freighter
• Wolfe Island Graveyard
• Lake Ontario Shipwreck
• Wooden Propeller Vessel
• 19th-Century Freighters
• Great Lakes Maritime History
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
Name: Britannic (also known as SARNOR)
Type: Propeller (Bulk Freighter)
Dimensions:
Originally: 219.2 ft (66.8 m) length, 36.2 ft (11.0 m) beam, 17 ft (5.2 m) depth
After Rebuild: 227 ft (69.2 m) length, 36 ft (11.0 m) beam, 21 ft (6.4 m) depth
Tonnage:
Gross: 1121 tons
Net: 904 tons
Power: Screw Propulsion, for-and-aft compound engine, 495 HP (369 kW), 115-pound steam Firebox Boiler
Location: Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario (N44 06.966′, W76 33.652′)
Depth: 98 feet (30 meters) of freshwater
HISTORY The Britannic was a wooden bulk freighter built in 1888 by James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan. Initially enrolled in Port Huron, the ship was primarily involved in the Ashland ore trade, where it towed barges across the Great Lakes. Renowned for its robust two-Deck construction and powerful Screw Propulsion system, the Britannic quickly became a workhorse on the lakes.
Throughout its operational life, the Britannic underwent several ownership changes and extensive rebuilds. One significant transformation occurred when the ship was renamed SARNOR under the ownership of the Lake Erie & Quebec Transportation Co. of Montreal. This name change marked a new chapter in the vessel’s history as it continued to serve in various capacities across the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION The Britannic’s career was marred by a series of unfortunate events, including collisions, sinkings, and legal disputes. In 1895, the vessel collided with the Steamer RUSSIA in the Detroit River, resulting in its sinking. However, the Britannic was raised and Rebuilt in Marine City, allowing it to continue its service.
By 1936, after decades of hard work and multiple ownership changes, the ship was in poor condition. The final chapter in the Britannic’s storied career came in 1937 when it was scuttled in deep water off Nine Mile Point, Lake Ontario, at the Wolfe Island Graveyard. The vessel now rests at a depth of 98 feet (30 meters), serving as a silent testament to the challenging and often perilous nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes.
RESOURCES & LINKS
Additional Resources:
David Swayze Shipwreck Database
Great Lakes Now Shipwrecks
Lloyd’s Register of Ships Online
References:
Information compiled from the David Swayze Shipwreck Database, Great Lakes Now Shipwrecks, and Lloyd’s Register of Ships Online, along with historical records of the vessel’s operational life.
ANALYSIS The Britannic’s long service life and eventual scuttling reflect the typical life cycle of many Great Lakes freighters. Despite its robust design and powerful engine, the vessel’s history was marked by frequent incidents, culminating in its deliberate sinking as it became obsolete. The Britannic, now resting at the Wolfe Island Graveyard, is a poignant reminder of the evolution of maritime technology and the relentless demands placed on ships and their crews.
KEYWORDS: Britannic, SARNOR, bulk freighter, Great Lakes, Wolfe Island Graveyard, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, maritime history, scuttling, propeller vessel