Shipwreck Report: Cormorant (formerly Russell 4)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Cormorant (formerly Russell 4)

• Type: Oil-Driven Propeller Vessel

• U.S. Official Number: 240399

• Year Built: 1941

• Builder: Manitowoc, Michigan

• Gross Tonnage: 18 tons

• Location:

• Latitude: 43° 30’ 47.9988” N

• Longitude: -76° 37’ 9.3” W

• Final Fate: Documented as lost, precise circumstances unknown.

Vessel Type Description

The Cormorant was a small oil-driven propeller vessel, typical of utility and transport boats built during World War II. With a Gross Tonnage of 18, it was well-suited for light-duty tasks such as cargo transport, towing, or utility operations on the Great Lakes. Initially registered as Russell 4, its name was changed in 1952, reflecting its role in the civilian maritime sector following the war.

History

Construction and Early Years

The vessel was built in 1941 at Manitowoc, Michigan, a prominent shipbuilding hub during the mid-20th century. Initially launched under the name Russell 4, it became part of the Great Lakes fleet during a time of heightened wartime shipping activity. The small size and design of the Cormorant suggest it may have been used in support roles rather than large-scale shipping or transportation.

Renaming and Service

In 1952, the vessel was renamed Cormorant, signaling a new phase of its operational history. By this time, the vessel likely continued to serve in local transport or utility functions on the Great Lakes. Specific details about its service during this period remain elusive, but such vessels were essential for connecting smaller ports, facilitating minor freight movement, and providing support to larger shipping operations.

Final Fate

The Cormorant was recorded as lost, with its last documented location marked by the provided coordinates. The exact date and cause of its loss are not specified in historical records. Given its size and the nature of its operations, potential causes could include weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, or a navigational error in the challenging waters of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The vessel was declared lost and is listed in historical maritime records, including the Great Lakes Merchant Vessel List of U.S. 1959 and the Herman Runge List. The wreck’s last known location is documented, though it has not been formally surveyed or investigated.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories (NOTMARs)

• Current Notices: No active NOTMARs are issued regarding the Cormorant wreck site.

• Caution: Mariners and divers navigating the area should be aware of the wreck’s approximate location, as shallow or hidden hazards may exist.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• The wreck has not been formally located or documented.

• Its condition is unknown, though its small size suggests that significant remains may not be present.

• The provided coordinates place it in a region accessible to divers and maritime historians, but further surveys are needed to confirm its status.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Merchant Vessel List of U.S. 1959

• Herman Runge List

• Local historical societies and maritime museums may offer additional insights into the Cormorant’s history and fate.

Conclusion

The story of the Cormorant exemplifies the quiet but essential role of small utility vessels in Great Lakes maritime history. While its operational history remains vague, the vessel’s documentation in official records reflects its contribution to the shipping and transport infrastructure of the region. Its loss adds to the countless untold stories of the Great Lakes, underscoring the ever-present risks faced by even the smallest vessels navigating these challenging waters.

Keywords

#Cormorant #Russell4 #GreatLakesShipwreck #LakeOntario #MaritimeHistory #SmallVessels #LostVessel