IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: Lloyd S. Porter

Type: Steambarge

Year Built: 1893

Builder: Jenks Shipbuilding Co., Port Huron, Michigan, USA

Hull Material: Wood

Length: Not specified (likely typical for steambarges of the period: 150–200 feet)

Primary Use: Transporting lumber and coal

Final Resting Place: Little Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario

Coordinates: Not specified

Depth at Wreck Site: Not documented but likely accessible for divers given its scuttling location.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Lloyd S. Porter was a wooden steambarge, a common workhorse on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Steambarges like the Lloyd S. Porter were primarily designed for carrying large quantities of bulk materials such as lumber, coal, and stone. These vessels featured robust construction and steam propulsion, allowing them to efficiently navigate the often-challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The Lloyd S. Porter was built in 1893 by Jenks Shipbuilding Co. in Port Huron, Michigan. The vessel served as a vital link in the transportation of essential goods, particularly lumber and coal, which were crucial for construction and industry during this period.

Over nearly 25 years of service, the Lloyd S. Porter navigated the Great Lakes, enduring harsh weather and the demands of heavy cargo transport. By the early 20th century, however, wooden steambarges were being eclipsed by steel-hulled vessels that were more durable and capable of carrying larger loads.

In 1917, while loading coal at North Fairhaven, New York (now Fair Haven), the vessel caught fire under unclear circumstances. The blaze rendered the vessel unsalvageable, and it was scuttled in Little Sodus Bay, where it remains submerged to this day.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Date of Incident: 1917

Cause of Loss: Fire while loading coal

Action Taken: The vessel was scuttled in Little Sodus Bay to prevent it from becoming a navigational hazard.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Lloyd S. Porter is known to be in Little Sodus Bay, but specific discovery details or a detailed survey of the wreck have not been widely documented.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Lloyd S. Porter wreck. Divers and mariners in the Little Sodus Bay area should remain cautious due to potential underwater hazards.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the Lloyd S. Porter is presumed to remain in Little Sodus Bay. Its condition is likely consistent with other wooden wrecks of the period, with significant degradation due to over a century of submersion. As it was scuttled in relatively shallow waters, the site could be accessible to divers and potentially offers insights into the construction and operation of Great Lakes steambarges.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed historical accounts and records of vessels like the Lloyd S. Porter.

•Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario: Resources for identifying and exploring wrecks in Lake Ontario, including potential dive site information.

•Jenks Shipbuilding Co. Archives: Any available historical data on vessels constructed by this Port Huron shipbuilder.

KEYWORDS

•Lloyd S. Porter

•Steambarge

•Little Sodus Bay

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

•Coal Transport

•Jenks Shipbuilding Co.

•Lake Ontario Wrecks

ANALYSIS

The Lloyd S. Porter exemplifies the vital role steambarges played in the economic development of the Great Lakes region. Built during a period of industrial growth, the vessel served its purpose for nearly 25 years, transporting essential goods across the lakes. Its fiery end in 1917 and subsequent scuttling in Little Sodus Bay reflect both the hazards of Great Lakes shipping and the transition from wooden to steel-hulled vessels during the early 20th century. The wreck remains a submerged historical artifact, offering a window into the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the enduring legacy of steambarges on the Great Lakes.