IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Vessel Name: Uranus (later renamed W.C. Franz)
- Type: Bulk Propeller Freighter
- Year Built: April 20, 1901
- Original Registry: U.S.
- Renamed & Re-registered: 1913 under Canadian flag (Registration No. C 130775)
- Final Location: Lake Huron, 30 miles southeast of Thunder Bay Island
- Date of Loss: November 21, 1934
- Cause of Loss: Collision with Steamship Edward E. Loomis
- Gross Tonnage: 3,748 tons
- Net Tonnage: 2,943 tons
- Dimensions:
- Length: 346 feet
- Beam: 48 feet
- Depth: 28 feet
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The Uranus, later known as the W.C. Franz, was a bulk propeller freighter engineered to carry substantial loads of bulk materials like coal, iron ore, and grain, vital to the industrial and economic activities of the Great Lakes region. These freighters were robustly constructed to endure the challenging conditions of the lakes, balancing cargo capacity with navigational agility.
HISTORY
Launched in 1901, the Uranus served as a key asset in maritime trade for over a decade. In 1913, the ship transitioned to Canadian ownership, was re-registered under the name W.C. Franz, and continued its service as part of Canada’s vital shipping network.
On November 21, 1934, while traversing Lake Huron, the W.C. Franz collided with the Steamship Edward E. Loomis in a tragic maritime accident. The collision occurred approximately 30 miles southeast of Thunder Bay Island. Despite the vessel’s size and construction, the impact proved catastrophic, resulting in the sinking of the W.C. Franz and the loss of four crew members’ lives.
This tragic event marked the end of a vessel that had been an integral part of Great Lakes shipping for over three decades. It underscored the risks associated with navigating the often unpredictable and congested waters of the lakes, even for seasoned mariners aboard sturdy freighters.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The W.C. Franz now rests at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Huron. Its wreck site remains a poignant memorial to the dangers of maritime trade and the lives lost in the collision. The location is an important underwater cultural heritage site, preserving the story of the vessel’s service and tragic demise.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The wreck’s position is known to historians and divers, though precise GPS coordinates have not been publicly shared. Its location 30 miles southeast of Thunder Bay Island has been the focus of exploration by maritime researchers and divers intrigued by Great Lakes shipwrecks.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
While specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are not listed, it is advisable for vessels navigating near the wreck’s known vicinity to be mindful of submerged hazards. The area is well-documented on nautical charts.
RESOURCES & LINKS
•Institute for Great Lakes Research: Historical documentation and shipbuilding records.
•Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Potential site of related research and exploration.
•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
CONCLUSION
The sinking of the W.C. Franz represents a somber chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. Its loss, following a collision with the Edward E. Loomis, reflects the inherent dangers of navigating the Great Lakes’ busy and often stormy waters. The wreck is a vital historical site, offering insights into the maritime practices and challenges of the early 20th century. It remains an enduring reminder of the resilience and sacrifice of the mariners who worked these inland seas.
KEYWORDS
•W.C. Franz shipwreck
•Uranus bulk freighter
•Lake Huron collision
•Great Lakes maritime history
•Thunder Bay shipwrecks
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Preserving the story of the W.C. Franz is critical for understanding the evolution of Great Lakes shipping and the dangers faced by freighters of the era. Further exploration of the wreck site could uncover additional details about the vessel’s construction, operation, and the circumstances leading to its tragic end.