SHIPWRECK REPORT – SS FLORIDA

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: SS FLORIDA
• Vessel Type: Steamship
• Owner: Lackawanna Line
• Year Built: Not specified
• Dimensions:
• Length: 270.8 feet (82.5 meters)
• Beam: 40.2 feet (12.2 meters)
• Depth: 15.4 feet (4.7 meters)
• Cargo at Time of Sinking: 56,000 bushels of wheat and general merchandise
• Final Location: Between False Presque Isle and Middle Island, Lake Huron
• Depth of Wreck: Approximately 220 feet (67 meters)
• Coordinates: Not specified
• Final Disposition: Total Loss due to collision

Vessel Type Description

The SS FLORIDA was a large Steamship designed for transporting bulk cargo, such as grain and general merchandise, across the Great Lakes. At 270.8 feet in length, it was a significant vessel of its time, capable of carrying vast quantities of goods. The FLORIDA was part of the Lackawanna Line, a well-known shipping enterprise on the Great Lakes.

History

On May 20, 1897, the SS FLORIDA departed carrying a cargo of 56,000 bushels of wheat and general merchandise. As it navigated Lake Huron, dense fog enveloped the region, a perilous condition for vessels in the 19th century. The fog, coupled with miscommunication of passing signals, led to a catastrophic collision with the Steamer GEORGE W. ROBY.

The collision inflicted severe damage on the FLORIDA, causing it to take on water rapidly. The vessel sank to the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Huron in approximately 220 feet of water. Fortunately, all 21 crew members were rescued by the GEORGE W. ROBY, avoiding any loss of life.

Final Disposition

The sinking of the FLORIDA resulted in the Total Loss of the vessel and its cargo. Legal proceedings ensued, with the owners and underwriters of the FLORIDA filing a libel against the ROBY, claiming damages of $172,400. Both the vessel and cargo were insured, mitigating the financial impact of the loss to some degree.

The legal battle highlighted the dangers of navigation in fog and the importance of clear communication between vessels in the era before modern navigation technology.

Located By & Date

The exact location of the wreck of the FLORIDA is not widely documented but lies in approximately 220 feet of water between False Presque Isle and Middle Island. The wreck has likely been located by modern sonar technology, but no detailed dive exploration or archaeological assessment has been reported.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are specifically issued for the wreck of the SS FLORIDA. However, its depth and historical significance suggest it is primarily of interest to technical divers and researchers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the SS FLORIDA rests at a depth of 220 feet, making it accessible only to advanced technical divers using specialized equipment. The condition of the wreck is not well-documented, but the cold, fresh waters of Lake Huron likely contributed to its preservation.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive information on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• NOAA Great Lakes Wrecks: Details on Lake Huron wreck sites.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Records and history of Great Lakes vessels.
• Bowling Green State University Historical Vessel Index: Archival information on Great Lakes shipping.

Conclusion

The loss of the SS FLORIDA during a dense fog on Lake Huron in 1897 exemplifies the dangers of navigation on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. The tragedy, though resulting in no loss of life, underscores the challenges faced by mariners in a time when communication and navigation technology were rudimentary. Today, the wreck serves as a testament to the risks of Great Lakes shipping and is a potential site for future historical and diving exploration.

Keywords:

#SSFlorida #LakeHuron #GreatLakesShipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipping #CollisionAtSea #WreckDiving #TechnicalDiving

3D Model

Florida by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab