Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Montana
• Vessel Type: Steam Screw Freighter
• U.S. Registration Number: 90501
• Year Built: 1872
• Builder: Port Huron, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length 236.3 feet (72 meters), Beam 36.5 feet (11.1 meters), Depth 13.0 feet (4 meters)
• Tonnage: 1,212 gross tons, 952 net tons
• Engine: 500 indicated horsepower
• Crew: 22 members
• Wreck Location: Lake Huron, near Sulphur Island, Michigan
• Coordinates: Latitude 44°59’03.33”N, Longitude 83°16’01.39”W
• Depth: 12 meters (40 feet)
• Feature Type: Submerged, wreck in two pieces, dangerous to surface navigation

Vessel Type Description

The Montana was a steam screw freighter, employing a screw propeller powered by steam engines. These vessels were essential during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting bulk freight across the Great Lakes. With a robust design, the Montana was among the larger freighters of its time, capable of hauling significant loads. Its primary operations were between key Great Lakes ports, with Buffalo, New York, serving as its home base.

History

Launched in 1872, the Montana served the Great Lakes for over 40 years. On September 6, 1914, the vessel met its tragic end near Sulphur Island in Lake Huron. A fire erupted aboard the ship, ultimately leading to its loss. At the time, 14 people were onboard, including the crew and possibly passengers. Remarkably, all 14 individuals escaped unharmed, showcasing the crew’s preparedness and response under duress.

The fire rendered the vessel unseaworthy, leading it to sink to the bottom of Lake Huron. The wreck now rests in two sections, with buoys marking the bow and Stern to aid divers in locating the site.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Montana lies at a depth of approximately 40 feet (12 meters) in Lake Huron. Despite its age and the circumstances of its sinking, the wreck is well-preserved, making it an attractive site for divers. Buoy markers provide precise positioning of the bow and Stern sections. These markers also serve as warnings to prevent surface Navigation Hazards.

Located By & Date

The wreck’s coordinates—Latitude 44°59’03.33”N, Longitude 83°16’01.39”W—were confirmed through surveys conducted by NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. High-resolution Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) data from a Kongsberg 3002 survey corroborated the wreck’s location, designated as AWOIS 14560. Earlier references identifying the Montana at a different location (AWOIS 2496) were deemed inaccurate.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The site is a potential hazard to navigation due to its shallow depth. Mariners should refer to the latest Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for advisories. The buoys marking the wreck assist in navigation and provide critical guidance for divers exploring the site.

Resources & Links

• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database
• •David Swayze Shipwreck File
• •Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• 3DShipwrecks – Montana

Conclusion

The wreck of the Montana symbolizes the hazards faced by early freighters on the Great Lakes. While the fire that consumed the vessel marked the end of its service, the safe evacuation of its crew highlights the professionalism and resilience of mariners of the era. Today, the wreck offers an excellent diving opportunity, blending historical significance with underwater exploration.

Keywords

•Montana shipwreck

•Lake Huron freighter

•Steam screw freighter

•Great Lakes maritime history

•Shipwreck diving site

•Sulphur Island wreck

GPS Coordinates & Additional Info

•Coordinates: Latitude 44°59’03.33”N, Longitude 83°16’01.39”W

•Depth: 40 feet (12 meters)

Mariners and divers should approach the site cautiously, relying on current NOTMARs and survey data for safe navigation and exploration. The wreck remains a well-preserved historical artifact beneath the waters of Lake Huron.

3D Model – Montana

Montana by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab