Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Eliza H. Strong
• Former Names: None recorded
• Registration Numbers: Not provided
• Date Built and Launched: Unknown
• Measurements: Registered capacity – 761 tons
• Date Lost: October 27, 1904

Vessel Type:

The Eliza H. Strong was a steam-powered cargo vessel primarily utilized for lumber transportation. Owned by the Strong Transportation Company of Tonawanda, New York, its design catered to heavy cargo requirements, typical of late 19th to early 20th-century steamships operating on the Great Lakes.

Description & History:

On October 27, 1904, the Eliza H. Strong succumbed to a catastrophic fire while traveling near Port Huron, Michigan. Loaded with lumber and paired with the Schooner Our Son, the vessel’s fire proved uncontrollable despite the crew’s efforts, completely consuming the ship. Fortunately, no lives were lost during this event. The tragedy underscored the volatile nature of transporting combustible cargo across the unpredictable Great Lakes.

Final Dispositions:

The vessel now rests beneath Lake Huron, approximately 1.35 km (0.84 miles) southeast of Lexington Dock, Michigan. At a depth of 7.3 meters (24 feet), the wreck lies completely submerged, presenting a significant hazard to surface navigation.

Salvaging Efforts:

Post-incident, the Reid Wrecking Company initiated salvage operations near Lexington Harbor. These included attempts to remove vital components like engines and boilers. Complications arose when buoys marking the site disappeared, increasing navigational risks. Despite using methods such as dynamite, a 1985 survey indicated that the wreckage, in shallow waters of 13 feet (3.96 meters), still posed dangers to vessels above.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

•Location: Latitude 43°15’44.5”N, Longitude 82°30’40”W

•Depth: 7.3 meters (24 feet)

•Designation: Hazardous to surface navigation as per 1985 surveys.

•Marking Status: Initially marked by buoys; markers later lost during salvage operations.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• 3D Shipwrecks – Eliza H Strong

3D Model – Eliza H. Strong

Conclusion:

The fiery demise of the Eliza H. Strong highlights the perilous conditions faced by vessels on the Great Lakes, compounded by challenges in salvage and wreck management. Its remains serve as a poignant underwater testament to the historical risks of maritime transport.

Would you like additional details, visual maps of the wreck site, or related navigation advisories?