Identification & Site Information

• Name: HUMKO
• Other Names: None reported
• Official Number: 250957
• Date Built and Launched: 1944
• Builder: Not specified
• Measurements:
• Gross Tonnage: 128 tons
• Date Lost: July 22, 1956
• Place of Loss: 6 miles off Two Rivers Point, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
• Lake: Michigan

Vessel Type

Oil screw-powered wooden vessel, a type of motorized ship utilizing an oil engine (diesel or gasoline) to drive a screw propeller. These vessels were commonly used for a variety of purposes, from cargo transport to specialized industrial work.

Description

The HUMKO was a wooden-hulled, oil screw-powered vessel built in 1944. With a Gross Tonnage of 128 tons, the vessel was moderately sized and likely served either commercial or industrial purposes on Lake Michigan.

Given its construction date during World War II, it’s possible that the vessel was initially built for wartime service or industrial support and later repurposed for civilian use. The specific nature of its cargo or function at the time of its loss is not detailed, but vessels of this type were frequently used for tugging, supply runs, or coastal freight operations.

History

The operational history of the HUMKO is not extensively documented, but its post-war construction and size suggest it may have played a role in the industrial resurgence of the Great Lakes following World War II. The oil Screw Propulsion indicates a move towards more modern, efficient engines compared to older steam-powered vessels.

Final Disposition

On July 22, 1956, the HUMKO was navigating 6 miles off Two Rivers Point, Wisconsin, when it caught fire under unknown circumstances. The fire quickly overwhelmed the vessel, leading to its destruction and sinking in Lake Michigan.

There is no specific information regarding loss of life, suggesting that either the crew managed to escape safely or that such details were not reported in available sources. The incident’s details remain sparse, with some records incorrectly listing the date of the incident as 1856, likely due to clerical errors.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. There is no confirmed discovery or exploration of the HUMKO‘s wreck site off Two Rivers Point, Wisconsin.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return. No navigational hazards related to this wreck are reported in the vicinity of Two Rivers Point.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The HUMKO‘s sudden loss due to fire in 1956 reflects the ever-present dangers faced by wooden vessels, even in the more modern, engine-powered era of Great Lakes shipping. While the specifics surrounding its cargo and crew remain unclear, the vessel’s sinking off Two Rivers Point adds to the maritime history of Lake Michigan. The incorrect date of 1856 in some records suggests historical inconsistencies, but the vessel’s 1944 construction aligns it with the post-war industrial expansion on the lakes.