Hull remains repurposed as a dock face at Sarnia’s waterfront – Sarnia Journal Rescue Article

Identification Card (Site Style)

Name: W.K. Bixby
Other Names: J.L. Reiss; Sidney E. Smith Jr.
Official Number: 202875
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Bulk freighter (later self-unloader)
Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Co., Wyandotte, Michigan, USA; Hull No. 161
Year Built: 1906
Dimensions: Length 480 ft (146.3 m); Beam 52.3 ft (15.9 m); Depth 30 ft (9.1 m)
Tonnage: Gross 5,712 GT; Net 4,407 NT
Cargo on Final Voyage: Coal (partial cargo)
Date of Loss: 5 June 1972
Location: St. Clair River, just south of Blue Water Bridge, Port Huron, Michigan
Coordinates: ~42°59.5′ N, 82°25.5′ W
Depth: Approx. 35–50 ft (10.5–15 m)
Home Port: USA (varied)
Owners: National Steamship Co.; Reiss Steamship Co.; American Steamship Co.; Erie Sand Steamship Co.
Crew: 34
Casualties: None

Description

Steel-hulled bulk freighter, riveted construction, single-screw steam propulsion with triple-expansion engine and Scotch boilers. Converted to oil-fired boilers and retrofitted as self-unloader in 1933 by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co.

History

Launched in 1906 as W.K. Bixby for National Steamship Co. Renamed J.L. Reiss in 1920 under Reiss Steamship Co., converted to self-unloader in 1933. Transferred to Boland & Cornelius (American Steamship Co.) in 1969, then to Erie Sand Steamship Co. in 1971 and renamed Sidney E. Smith Jr.

On 5 June 1972, the Sidney E. Smith Jr., upbound with coal, was caught in strong currents near the Peerless Cement dock south of the Blue Water Bridge. She was struck broadside by the downbound Steamer Parker Evans. The Smith capsized on her starboard side and sank within minutes in 35–50 ft of water.

Final Dispositions

After the sinking, environmental response teams removed approximately 49,000 gallons of bunker oil. The vessel broke in two on the river bottom. Salvage operations recovered the bow and Stern sections in late 1972 and early 1973. The bow was scuttled and embedded in Sarnia’s shoreline as part of a Breakwater; the Stern was dismantled or similarly buried.

Located By & Date Found

Wreck location known immediately post-sinking. Salvaged by U.S. Navy, USCG, and private contractors between June and November 1972.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Temporary navigation restrictions during 1972 salvage. No current hazards; wreck is buried or repurposed.

Dive Information

Access: Not diveable
Entry Point: N/A
Conditions: N/A
Depth Range: N/A
Emergency Contacts: N/A
Permits: Not applicable
Dive Support: None

Crew & Casualty Memorials

All 34 crew survived. Most were rescued by Capt. Robert Campbell’s pilot boat; others escaped in skiff. A memorial storyboard honors the event at Sarnia’s waterfront.
Sarnia Journal Memorial Article

Documented Statements & Extracts

“Timely effective action by the COTP Detroit averted a spill of some 45,000 gallons of bunker C oil… The SIDNEY E. SMITH, JR. sank onto its starboard side in about 35 to 50 feet of water within 20 minutes after collision.”
— U.S. Navy Salvage Report, 1972

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

U.S. Official Number 202875. Registry terminated post-salvage. Insurance likely processed through Erie Sand Steamship Co., but not publicly available. Final registry names: W.K. Bixby → J.L. Reiss → Sidney E. Smith Jr.

Site Documentation & Imaging

Photographic documentation available from shipspotting.com. U.S. Navy’s SUPSALV report includes detailed salvage operations.
NavSea Salvage Report

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

References

  1. Great Lakes Vessel History (Bixby)
  2. U.S. Navy Sidney Smith Salvage Report
  3. The Sarnia Journal (Campbell rescue)
  4. ShipSpotting.com (wreck hull remains)

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card

Wreck Name: Sidney E. Smith Jr.
Other Names: W.K. Bixby; J.L. Reiss
Official Number: 202875
Coordinates: ~42°59.5′ N, 82°25.5′ W
Depth: 35–50 ft (10.5–15 m)
Location Description: St. Clair River, Port Huron
Vessel Type: Bulk freighter / Self-unloader
Material: Steel (riveted)
Dimensions: 480 ft × 52.3 ft × 30 ft; 5,712 GT
Condition: Broken in two, partially buried
Cause of Loss: Collision with Parker Evans
Discovery Date: 5 June 1972
Discovered By: Immediate rescue/salvage crews
Method: Known at time of loss
Legal Notes: Registry terminated, ownership ended with loss
Hazards: None currently
Permits Required: Not applicable

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