SS Wexford

SS Wexford was a steel-hulled Great Lakes freighter that played a significant role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes before meeting its tragic end in the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, one of the most devastating natural disasters to ever strike the Great Lakes region. The SS Wexford is remembered both for its contribution to the early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping industry and for its dramatic sinking, which remains a subject of interest among historians, maritime archaeologists, and scuba divers.

History

The SS Wexford was built in 1883 by William Doxford & Sons in Sunderland, England. Originally named the SS Wexford after the county in Ireland, it was designed to transport bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, and iron ore across the Great Lakes. The vessel was 250 feet in length, with a beam of 40 feet and a depth of 20 feet, making it a typical size for freighters of its era.

Throughout its career, the SS Wexford was known for its reliability and efficiency, characteristics that were highly valued in the competitive and often hazardous Great Lakes shipping industry. It changed ownership several times, reflecting the dynamic nature of maritime commerce in the early 20th century.

The Great Lakes Storm of 1913

The Great Lakes Storm of 1913, occurring from November 7 to November 10, was a massive blizzard that affected the Great Lakes region. It is considered the deadliest and most destructive natural disaster to ever hit the Great Lakes, claiming the lives of more than 250 people and destroying 19 ships, including the SS Wexford.

On November 9, 1913, the SS Wexford was en route from Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Ontario to Godrich, Ontario, carrying a full cargo of grain. As the storm intensified, the Wexford and its crew faced hurricane-force winds and waves that reached up to 35 feet in height. Despite the crew's efforts to keep the vessel afloat, the SS Wexford sank in Lake Huron, near the town of Godrich, Ontario, with all hands lost. The exact number of casualties varies by source, but it is believed that around 20 crew members perished with the ship.

Discovery and Legacy

The wreck of the SS Wexford remained lost for nearly a century until it was discovered in 2000 by a team of scuba divers. The discovery was significant because the Wexford was remarkably well-preserved, with its cargo of grain still intact in the hold. The site has since become a popular destination for divers, offering a unique glimpse into the past and serving as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by early 20th-century mariners on the Great Lakes.

The sinking of the SS Wexford and the other ships lost in the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 had a profound impact on maritime safety regulations. In the aftermath of the disaster, both the United States and Canada implemented stricter safety standards, including improved weather forecasting, mandatory life-saving equipment on board ships, and the establishment of the United States Coast Guard's ice patrol services.

See Also

• Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Storm of 1913
• Maritime archaeology
• Shipwreck