SHIPWRECK REPORT: T.H. Camp

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: T.H. Camp

• Type: Fishing Tug (Temporary Cargo Carrier at the time of loss)

• Owner: A. Booth & Co., Chicago, Illinois

• Date of Incident: November 16, 1900

• Location: Near Madeline Island, Apostle Islands, Lake Superior

• Depth of Wreck: Approximately 200 feet (61 meters)

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The T.H. Camp was a sturdy wooden-hulled fishing Tug, a workhorse of the Great Lakes fishing industry. These vessels were designed for the rigors of fishing and transport in challenging conditions. At the time of its demise, the T.H. Camp was operating as a temporary cargo carrier, laden with lumber camp supplies bound for the isolated Madeline Island in the Apostle Islands.

HISTORY

• Purpose: Built as a fishing Tug, the T.H. Camp served a dual role during its final voyage, transporting essential supplies to support a remote lumber camp.

• Final Voyage:

• Cargo: Lumber camp supplies intended for Madeline Island.

• Incident: On November 16, 1900, a powerful storm engulfed the T.H. Camp as it approached Madeline Island. The vessel struck a reef, breaching its Hull, and sank rapidly in the treacherous waters of Lake Superior.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The T.H. Camp now rests at a depth of 200 feet, a silent witness to the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes. Its cargo and structural remains lie scattered across the lakebed.

• Casualties: None. The crew survived the sinking.

• Cargo Loss: All lumber camp supplies were lost to the depths.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Condition: The wreck is well-preserved due to Lake Superior’s cold, fresh waters, which inhibit decay. However, the exact state of the vessel requires further documentation.

• Accessibility:

• The site lies at a depth of 200 feet, making it accessible primarily to experienced technical divers with advanced equipment.

• Strong currents and frigid temperatures add to the challenge of exploring the wreck.

SIGNIFICANCE

The sinking of the T.H. Camp illustrates the perilous nature of Lake Superior, where sudden storms and hidden reefs have claimed numerous vessels. Its story reflects the resilience and bravery of the mariners who worked these waters, contributing to the vibrant history of the Great Lakes.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Records

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck database, including the T.H. Camp.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: View Record

• Wisconsin Shipwrecks: Shipwreck Information

• Wikipedia: Overview of the Apostle Islands and Lake Superior shipwrecks.

KEYWORDS

T.H. Camp, Lake Superior shipwreck, Apostle Islands, Madeline Island, fishing Tug, 1900 maritime disaster, Great Lakes shipwreck

CONCLUSION

The story of the T.H. Camp serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those navigating the Great Lakes. Its loss highlights the region’s unpredictable weather and hidden dangers, and its resting place at 200 feet below the surface preserves its memory as part of Lake Superior’s rich maritime history.