Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: New Orleans
• Vessel Type: Steam Screw
• Year Built: Not specified
• Final Location: Near Thunder Bay, Michigan, Lake Huron
• Date of Loss: June 30, 1906
• Cause of Loss: Collision with the steam screw William H. Linn
• Depth: Partially submerged; Stern visible above water, bow submerged

Vessel Type Description

The New Orleans was a Steam Screw Vessel, a design that revolutionized maritime transport in the 19th century. Powered by a propeller (screw), this type of Steamship was known for its efficiency, reliability, and better maneuverability compared to Paddlewheel steamers. Steam screw vessels like the New Orleans were commonly employed on the Great Lakes for transporting passengers and freight, crucial to the region’s economy.

History

Incident Overview

On June 30, 1906, the New Orleans was navigating near Thunder Bay, Michigan, in Lake Huron when it collided with the Steamship William H. Linn. While the exact details of the circumstances leading to the collision are sparse, the impact was catastrophic for the New Orleans, causing it to sink.

•Survivors: Despite the severity of the incident, all 16 persons aboard managed to survive, thanks to the rapid response of the crew and nearby rescuers. Some crew members escaped the sinking ship by climbing over its rails, enduring the chaos of escaping steam and the sinking vessel.

•Wreck Site: The New Orleans came to rest near the Thunder Bay lighthouse, with its Stern protruding above the waterline while the bow remained submerged.

Regional Significance

The wreck of the New Orleans adds to the storied maritime history of the Thunder Bay region, known for its dense concentration of shipwrecks due to treacherous waters and busy shipping lanes.

Final Disposition

The New Orleans sank shortly after the collision, settling partially submerged in the waters near Thunder Bay lighthouse. The visible Stern made the wreck a hazard to navigation, prompting likely issuance of Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) at the time. Its position contributed to the historical significance of Thunder Bay, now part of the NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Located By & Date

The wreck was identified shortly after the incident due to its proximity to the surface near Thunder Bay lighthouse, with the Stern remaining visible above water.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the New Orleans wreck is not fully documented, but its partial submersion and Visibility near Thunder Bay make it historically and archaeologically significant. Modern exploration would likely require consultation with the NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which manages and preserves shipwreck sites in the area.

Legacy

The loss of the New Orleans highlights the inherent dangers of maritime travel on the Great Lakes, especially in regions like Thunder Bay, which have long been recognized for challenging navigation conditions. The survival of all aboard is a testament to the resilience and quick action of the crew and rescuers, while the visible wreck served as a somber reminder of the incident for years.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Records and archives of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Information and preservation efforts related to Thunder Bay shipwrecks.
• 3DShipwrecks – New Orleans

3D Model – New Orleans

New Orleans Side Wheeler by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

New Orleans (1838) Bilge by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

Keywords

#New Orleans Steam Screw #Lake Huron Shipwreck #Thunder Bay Lighthouse Wreck #Great Lakes Maritime Collision #1906 Shipwrecks

GPS Coordinates & Additional Info

The exact GPS coordinates of the wreck are not documented. However, its location is near the Thunder Bay lighthouse in Lake Huron. Mariners and researchers should refer to the NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary for detailed navigation and historical data on this significant site.

Keywords

•New Orleans Steam Screw

•Lake Huron Shipwreck

•Thunder Bay Lighthouse Wreck

•Great Lakes Maritime Collision

•1906 Shipwrecks

GPS Coordinates & Additional Info

The exact GPS coordinates of the wreck are not documented. However, its location is near the Thunder Bay lighthouse in Lake Huron. Mariners and researchers should refer to the NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary for detailed navigation and historical data on this significant site.