Identification & Site Information

• Name: HURONTON
• Former Names: Built as HURON, renamed HURONTON in 1920
• Official Number: C141664 (formerly US#96425)
• Type at Loss: Propeller, steel-hulled bulk freighter
• Date Built and Launched: 1898
• Builder: Lorain, Ohio (also attributed to Cleveland Shipbuilding Co., Cleveland, Ohio)
• Measurements: 238 ft (72.5 m) length, 42 ft (12.8 m) beam, 26 ft (7.9 m) depth; 1945 gross tons, 1302 net tons
• Date Lost: October 11, 1922
• Place of Loss: Near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior

Vessel Type

Steel-Hulled Propeller Bulk Freighter

Description

The HURONTON, originally launched as HURON in 1898, was a steel-hulled bulk freighter built in Lorain, Ohio, with some sources attributing its construction to the Cleveland Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Measuring 238 feet in length and over 1900 gross tons, the vessel was designed for the Great Lakes bulk freight trade, capable of transporting large quantities of coal, iron ore, and other bulk commodities essential to the industrial growth of the Midwest and Canada.

In 1920, the vessel was sold to Canadian interests and renamed HURONTON, marking the next phase of her career under Canadian registry.

History

For over two decades, the HURON (later HURONTON) operated as a bulk freighter on the Great Lakes, serving ports in both the United States and Canada. Her steel construction made her well-suited for the challenging conditions of the lakes, including ice and heavy cargoes.

On October 11, 1922, while sailing light (without cargo) near Whitefish Point on Lake Superior, the HURONTON encountered dense fog, a notorious hazard in the region. The vessel was rammed by the larger 4700-ton freighter CETUS (US#200374). The impact created a significant hole in the HURONTON‘s Hull.

In a remarkable act of seamanship, the captain of the CETUS kept his engines running full ahead, holding the nose of his vessel in the hole caused by the collision. This quick thinking prevented the immediate sinking of the HURONTON, allowing her crew to scramble aboard the CETUS safely.

Once the transfer was complete, the CETUS backed away, and the HURONTON sank rapidly in approximately 800 feet of water. Remarkably, no lives were lost in the incident.

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Final Disposition

Rammed by the CETUS in fog near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior, on October 11, 1922. The HURONTON sank quickly in 800 feet of water, but no lives were lost as the crew was successfully rescued.

Located By & Date Found

While Whitefish Point is a well-documented area for shipwrecks, there are no confirmed reports of the HURONTON wreck being located. The depth of 800 feet presents a significant challenge for divers and search efforts.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil—no current navigational advisories related to the HURONTON wreck site near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior.

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Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

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Conclusion

The HURONTON’s collision and sinking in 1922 is a dramatic example of the hazards posed by fog on the Great Lakes, particularly near the treacherous waters of Whitefish Point, known as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes”. Originally built as the HURON in 1898, the vessel served faithfully in the bulk freight industry for over two decades before meeting her end in one of the most perilous regions of Lake Superior.

The heroic efforts of the CETUS‘ captain and crew to hold the vessels together long enough for a successful rescue exemplify the bravery and camaraderie of Great Lakes mariners. The HURONTON’s story contributes to the rich tapestry of Lake Superior shipwreck history, highlighting the constant challenges faced by freighters navigating these vast inland seas.

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Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: HURONTON shipwreck, HURON bulk freighter, Whitefish Point shipwreck, Lake Superior collision shipwreck, CETUS freighter, Cleveland Shipbuilding Co. Lorain
• Categories: Lake Superior Shipwrecks, Steel Bulk Freighters, Collision-Related Shipwrecks, Canadian Great Lakes Freighters, Whitefish Point Maritime Disasters
• Glossary Terms:
• Whitefish Point: A notorious area on Lake Superior known for frequent shipwrecks due to fog, storms, and navigational hazards.
• Bulk Freighter: A type of vessel designed to transport bulk cargoes such as iron ore, coal, and grain across the Great Lakes.
• Rammed in Fog: A common cause of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, where limited Visibility leads to collisions between vessels navigating busy shipping lanes.