SHIPWRECK REPORT: BALTIMORE (Formerly ESCANABA)

Identification & Site Information

• Original Name: ESCANABA

• Renamed: BALTIMORE (1899)

• Type: Wooden Bulk Freighter (Screw Propelled)

• Built: 1881

• Builder: Linn & Craig

• Build Location: Gibraltar, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 201 feet (61.2 meters)

• Beam: 36 feet (10.9 meters)

• Depth: 20 feet (6.1 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 1161 tons

• Net Tonnage: 918 tons

• Final Voyage Date: May 24, 1901

• Location of Loss: Southeast of AuSable, Michigan, Lake Huron

• Coordinates: Not precisely specified

• Depth of Wreck: 22 feet (6.7 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The BALTIMORE, formerly the ESCANABA, was a wooden bulk freighter, powered by a Screw Propulsion system. Designed for Great Lakes shipping, the vessel transported heavy bulk cargoes such as coal, grain, and other materials. Its robust wooden construction made it suitable for the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes, though it still fell victim to several maritime incidents over its career.

History

Construction and Early Years as ESCANABA

Built in 1881 by Linn & Craig in Gibraltar, Michigan, the vessel began service under the name ESCANABA. Owned by various stakeholders, the freighter was an essential part of the Great Lakes’ bulk freight network, primarily hauling coal and grain.

Major Incidents

1. 1883: The vessel nearly capsized during a storm in Saginaw Bay while carrying a corn cargo.

2. 1896: Grounded on Gull Island Reef in Lake Michigan and required the Tug MONARCH for release.

The freighter’s history is marked by these and other minor groundings, collisions, and mishaps, demonstrating the risks of navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes waters.

Renaming and Final Years as BALTIMORE

On May 5, 1899, the vessel was sold to P.H. Fleming and others in Chicago, receiving the name BALTIMORE. Despite its renaming and continued service, the freighter faced its ultimate tragedy just two years later.

Final Voyage and Tragedy

On May 24, 1901, the BALTIMORE was caught in a fierce storm while carrying a cargo of coal on Lake Huron. The gale battered the vessel as it fought to reach Thunder Bay. Unfortunately, it struck a reef, broke in two, and Foundered. The wreck resulted in a catastrophic loss of life—13 out of 15 crew members perished, leaving only two survivors. The vessel’s sinking was one of the deadliest maritime accidents on the Great Lakes during that era.

Salvage Efforts

In October and November 1901, the BALTIMORE’s engine and boiler were recovered. Additional salvage efforts in 1903 resulted in most of the vessel’s remaining gear being retrieved. However, the Hull remains at the wreck site to this day.

Final Disposition

The remains of the BALTIMORE lie approximately half a mile southeast of AuSable, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The wreck rests at a depth of 22 feet (6.7 meters), making it accessible to divers and a point of interest for maritime historians.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wreck is scattered, with the Hull largely disintegrated due to time, weather, and prior salvage operations. Some structural components remain visible.

• Accessibility: The site is in relatively shallow waters, making it suitable for divers with basic experience. However, Visibility can be variable depending on weather and water conditions.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the BALTIMORE wreck site. Divers and boaters should exercise caution and respect the historical significance of the site.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships: Database of Great Lakes vessel information

• US Deadliest Accidents: Maritime incidents on the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival records of shipwrecks

• Bowling Green State University: Historical collections related to the Great Lakes

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Comprehensive history of vessels

Keywords

BALTIMORE, ESCANABA, Wooden Bulk Freighter, Lake Huron Shipwreck, AuSable Michigan, Great Lakes Shipping, 19th-Century Maritime History, Coal Cargo, P.H. Fleming

Conclusion

The BALTIMORE, a prominent freighter with a storied history, reflects the challenges and dangers of Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite its robust construction and adaptations over time, the vessel succumbed to the forces of nature in a devastating storm. The loss of 13 crew members highlights the perilous lives of mariners navigating these inland seas. Today, the wreck remains a somber reminder of the risks faced by those who relied on the Great Lakes for their livelihoods.