SS Wexford

Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom

Civil and Naval Ensign of France

Wexford victims ashore, 1913

SS Wexford was a steamship built in 1883 by William Doxford & Sons in Sunderland, England. The ship was primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes in North America.

Construction and Specifications

SS Wexford was constructed with a steel hull and measured 250 feet in length, with a beam of 40 feet and a depth of 20 feet. The ship was powered by a single triple-expansion steam engine, which drove a single screw propeller. This engine configuration was typical for steamships of that era, providing a balance of power and efficiency.

Service History

The SS Wexford was initially operated by the Wexford Steamship Company and later by various other shipping companies. The vessel was primarily engaged in the transportation of bulk cargoes such as coal, grain, and iron ore. The ship's robust construction allowed it to navigate the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, including Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Michigan.

Final Voyage and Sinking

On November 10, 1913, the SS Wexford was caught in the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, a severe extratropical cyclone that affected the region. The storm, also known as the "Big Blow," "Freshwater Fury," or the "White Hurricane," was one of the deadliest and most destructive natural disasters in the history of the Great Lakes. The SS Wexford sank in Lake Huron during the storm, resulting in the loss of all 17 crew members on board.

Wreck Discovery

The wreck of the SS Wexford was discovered in 2000 by a team of divers. The ship lies in approximately 75 feet of water, largely intact. The discovery of the wreck has provided valuable insights into the construction and operation of Great Lakes steamships during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Legacy

The SS Wexford is remembered as one of the many ships lost during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913. The shipwreck is a popular site for divers and has been the subject of various historical and maritime studies.

Related Pages

• Great Lakes Storm of 1913
• Great Lakes
• Steamship
• William Doxford & Sons
• Lake Huron