Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: SS James Carruthers

•Vessel Type: Steel-Hulled Freighter

•Year Built: 1913

•Builder: Collingwood Shipbuilding Company, Collingwood, Ontario

•Dimensions:

•Length: 550 feet (167.6 meters)

•Beam: 58 feet (17.7 meters)

•Depth: 32 feet (9.8 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 7,862 tons

•Final Resting Place: Lake Huron (exact location unknown)

•Depth of Wreck: Unknown

Vessel Type Description

The SS James Carruthers was one of the most advanced steel-hulled freighters of its era, built for the bulk transport of grain, coal, and iron ore. As a modern vessel of the early 20th century, it was designed to endure the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. Its large cargo capacity and advanced construction positioned it as a crucial part of Great Lakes commerce.

History

Launched in May 1913, the James Carruthers was named after a prominent Canadian businessman and was commissioned by the St. Lawrence & Chicago Steam Navigation Company. The vessel began its service transporting bulk cargo across the Great Lakes, contributing to the growing shipping economy of the time.

On November 6, 1913, the James Carruthers departed Fort William, Ontario, carrying 375,000 bushels of wheat to Midland, Ontario. Commanded by Captain William H. Wright, the vessel navigated through Lake Superior and entered Lake Huron, unknowingly sailing into one of the most devastating storms in Great Lakes history.

Final Disposition

The James Carruthers was lost on November 9, 1913, during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, also known as the White Hurricane. This catastrophic storm produced gale-force winds, enormous waves, and blinding snow squalls that overwhelmed even the sturdiest vessels. The James Carruthers vanished in the storm, with its first sign of destruction coming from debris and life jackets washing ashore near Kincardine and Point Clark.

Among the crew lost were Captain Wright and several sailors, whose bodies were later found along the shoreline. Captain Wright was identified by his distinctive red mustache, a grim confirmation of the tragedy. Despite numerous search efforts, the exact location of the wreck remains undiscovered, deepening the mystery surrounding its final moments.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck site. However, those conducting searches or explorations in Lake Huron should consult local authorities and exercise caution due to the vast depths and strong currents in the area.

Located By & Date

As of now, the wreck of the James Carruthers has not been located, though search expeditions have narrowed potential locations based on historical debris and storm patterns.

Search Efforts

•Early Recovery Attempts (1913-1914): Initial search efforts focused on finding survivors and locating the wreck. However, the vast expanse of Lake Huron and severe conditions hampered efforts.

•Modern Expeditions (2000s-Present): Recent technologies like side-scan sonar and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) have been employed in the search, but the wreck remains elusive.

•Storm Centennial (2013): The centenary of the 1913 storm saw renewed interest and expeditions, though no definitive discoveries were made.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Focuses on environmental and historical studies of the Great Lakes.

•National Museum of the Great Lakes: Preserves artifacts and histories of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation: Conducts and sponsors research into shipwrecks like the James Carruthers.

Conclusion

The loss of the SS James Carruthers during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 is a stark reminder of the power of the Great Lakes and the dangers of navigation in extreme weather. As one of the largest freighters of its time, its disappearance underscores the vulnerability of even the most advanced vessels of the era. Despite continuous search efforts, the James Carruthers remains a maritime mystery, symbolizing the unpredictable and often deadly nature of Great Lakes shipping.

Keywords

#SSJamesCarruthers #GreatLakesStorm1913 #WhiteHurricane #LakeHuron #Shipwreck #SteelFreighter #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipping #UndiscoveredWrecks