Identification & Site Information
•Wreck Name: ARAXES
•Vessel Type: Propeller Vessel (Rebuilt as Steam Barge in 1873-1874)
•Construction Date: 1856
•Builder: Francis N. Jones, Buffalo, New York
•Original Owners: Buffalo & Toledo Transportation Co.
•Dimensions:
•Length: 179 feet 4 inches (54.6 meters)
•Beam: 30 feet 2 inches (9.2 meters)
•Depth: 11 feet 7 inches (3.5 meters)
•Tonnage: 593 5/95
•Final Disposition: Foundered in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, Summer 1894
•Location: Approximately four miles off Bay City Ice Co.’s ice house, Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
Vessel Type Description
The ARAXES began its life as a propeller-driven Steamship, a key innovation in mid-19th-century shipping on the Great Lakes. Propeller vessels offered greater efficiency and control compared to side-wheel steamers, making them popular for freight and passenger transport. Rebuilt as a steam Barge in 1873-1874, the ARAXES adapted to the growing bulk cargo trade, primarily iron ore, which was essential to the burgeoning steel industry.
History
Construction and Early Service
The ARAXES was launched in 1856 in Buffalo, New York, serving the Buffalo & Toledo Transportation Co. in its early years. It became a workhorse for Great Lakes commerce, changing hands several times as the shipping industry evolved.
Notable Incidents
1.1863: Struck a rock entering Cleveland Harbor and sank. The vessel was salvaged, repaired, and returned to service.
2.1870: Suffered a broken shaft and lost its propeller, requiring significant downtime for repairs.
3.1887: Underwent Hull and boiler repairs after years of heavy use.
4.1890: Grounded near Sand Beach, Michigan. Rescued by Reid Wrecking and Towing Company.
Rebuild and Role as Steam Barge
In 1873-1874, the ARAXES was Rebuilt as a steam Barge to transport iron ore, reflecting a shift in the region’s economy toward industrialization. It operated on routes between Marquette, Michigan, and Black Rock, New York, contributing to the Great Lakes’ critical role in supplying raw materials for steel production.
Final Voyage and Sinking
The ARAXES met its end in the summer of 1894 when it Foundered during a storm in Saginaw Bay, approximately four miles from Bay City Ice Co.’s ice house. The wreck was located in 1895, but salvage efforts were deemed uneconomical due to the vessel’s age and deteriorated condition. The ARAXES was officially Abandoned, and its documents were surrendered on June 30, 1894.
Final Disposition
The ARAXES now rests at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Despite its critical contributions to commerce, the vessel was left to the elements after being deemed unsalvageable. It remains a part of Lake Huron’s underwater heritage, an enduring reminder of the challenges faced by mariners in the 19th century.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck lies in the storm-prone waters of Saginaw Bay, and while its location is known, it has not been salvaged or documented extensively in modern times. Divers should exercise caution due to the general conditions of the area.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the ARAXES wreck site. Mariners should be aware of Saginaw Bay’s challenging weather conditions, which have historically posed hazards to navigation.
Resources & Links
1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Great Lakes Maritime Records
2.Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical vessel details.
3.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
Conclusion
The story of the ARAXES illustrates the evolution of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century. Its long service life, numerous rebuilds, and ultimate demise reflect the resilience and adaptability required in the face of economic demands and environmental challenges. The vessel’s history, from propeller Steamship to steam Barge, highlights the vital role of shipping in supporting industrial growth in the United States. Though lost in the waters of Lake Huron, the ARAXES continues to offer insight into a transformative era of maritime commerce.
Keywords
•ARAXES
•Great Lakes Shipwreck
•Saginaw Bay
•19th Century Maritime History
•Steam Barge
•Propeller Vessel
•Iron Ore Trade