Ironton

Vessel Type: Schooner barge
GPS Location: TBA
Depth: TBA
Wreck Length: 190.9 feet
Beam: 35.4 feet
Gross Tonnage: 785.56
Cargo: None
Launched: 1873 by George Notter, Buffalo, New York
Wrecked: September 26, 1894
Mooring Buoy: none
Description: In late September 1894, the schooner barge Ironton was traveling light from Cleveland to Marquette and under tow by the steamer Kershaw along with schooner barge Moonlight. The wooden freighter Ohio was steaming from Duluth to Ogdensburg, New York loaded with a cargo of grain. The three ships were heading north when they encountered Ohio in rough conditions, 10 miles north of Presque Isle. It was during this critical moment, with the vessels about to pass each other, that Ironton's towline parted. The vessel broke free, veered off course and collided with Ohio. Both sank in half an hour. Sixteen crewmembers of Ohio got into lifeboats and were later picked up by schooner Moonlight. Another passing vessel, the steamer Hebard, picked up two of Ironton's crew. Lake Huron claimed Captain Girard and four other Ironton crew: Mate Ed Bostwick, Sailor John Pope, and two unidentified sailors.
Learn more about the discovery of the Ironton from this webstory.
Visit the Great Lakes Maritime Collection digital archive.


