Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Wiley M. Egan
  • Former Names: None
  • Official Number: 111965 (Canadian); 81143 (U.S.)
  • Date Built and Launched: 1887
  • Measurements:
  • Original Dimensions: Length: 252.2 feet (76.9 metres); Beam: 39.8 feet (12.1 metres); Depth: 20.0 feet (6.1 metres); Gross Tonnage: 1,677; Net Tonnage: 1,380
  • Post-Rebuild Dimensions (1914): Length: 260.7 feet (79.5 metres); Beam: 39.9 feet (12.2 metres); Depth: 19.8 feet (6.0 metres); Gross Tonnage: 1,667; Net Tonnage: 1,025
  • Date Lost: July 15, 1918
  • Final Disposition: Scuttled at Shelter Bay, Quebec

Vessel Type

Bulk Freighter

Description

The Wiley M. Egan was a bulk freighter constructed in 1887 by William H. Radcliffe in Cleveland, Ohio. Initially measuring 252.2 feet (76.9 metres) in length with a beam of 39.8 feet (12.1 metres) and a depth of 20.0 feet (6.1 metres), she had a Gross Tonnage of 1,677 and a Net Tonnage of 1,380. The vessel was powered by a direct-acting vertical steam engine manufactured by Cuyahoga Steam Furnace of Cleveland, driving a single screw propeller.

History

Upon her completion in 1887, the Wiley M. Egan was owned by Wiley M. Egan and associates based in Chicago, Illinois. She was actively engaged in the bulk freight trade across the Great Lakes. In 1890, she was part of the Fitzgerald fleet, with Captain McDonald serving as her mate.

In 1912, ownership transferred to the Ontario & Quebec Navigation Co., with her home port listed as Picton, Ontario. Following this change, her U.S. enrollment was surrendered on June 29, 1912, and she was enrolled in Canada with the official number 111965. At this time, her dimensions were recorded as 253.8 feet (77.3 metres) in length, 39.6 feet (12.1 metres) in beam, and 20.0 feet (6.1 metres) in depth, with a Gross Tonnage of 1,620 and a Net Tonnage of 1,190.

By 1915, the vessel’s home port had shifted to Montreal, Quebec. In 1916, she was sold to Canada Steamship Lines, also based in Montreal. A remeasurement during this period recorded her dimensions as 260.7 feet (79.5 metres) in length, 39.9 feet (12.2 metres) in beam, and 19.8 feet (6.0 metres) in depth, with a Gross Tonnage of 1,667 and a Net Tonnage of 1,025

Final Disposition

On July 15, 1918, the Wiley M. Egan rammed a bridge in the Welland Canal near Welland, Ontario, resulting in significant damage. Subsequently, her Hull was sold to the Ontario Paper Company and scuttled to serve as a dock face at Shelter Bay, Quebec.

Located By & Date Found

Nil

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Wiley M. Egan’s service life spanned over three decades, reflecting the dynamic nature of Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her transitions in ownership and subsequent modifications underscore the evolving demands of maritime commerce in the region. The vessel’s ultimate scuttling at Shelter Bay serves as a testament to the practices of repurposing maritime assets during that era.

Keywords: Wiley M. Egan, bulk freighter, Great Lakes shipping, Welland Canal, Shelter Bay, Canada Steamship Lines, Ontario Paper Company

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Vessel Histories

Glossary Terms: Gross Tonnage, Net Tonnage, Beam, Draft, Scuttling, Welland Canal, Bulk Freighter