SHIPWRECK REPORT: NORTH STAR

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• •Name: NORTH STAR
• •Type: Steam Propeller (Steamer)
• •Location: Port Sanilac, Lake Huron
• •Coordinates: Not specified
• •Date of Incident: November 25, 1908
• •Depth of Wreck: Not reported (Total Loss due to collision, vessel sank shortly after impact)

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

• •Built: 1889
• •Builder: Not specified
• •Dimensions:
• •Length: 275 feet (83.8 meters)
• •Beam: 41.6 feet (12.7 meters)
• •Depth: 20.4 feet (6.2 meters)
• •Tonnage:
• •Gross Tonnage: 2,476 tons
• •Net Tonnage: Not reported
• Propulsion: Screw-driven steam propeller, freight/passenger vessel

The NORTH STAR was built as a versatile and robust vessel designed for freight and passenger service across the Great Lakes. With its large dimensions and capacity, it played a significant role in regional commerce and transport.

HISTORY

The NORTH STAR operated as a reliable vessel on the Great Lakes for nearly two decades before its tragic demise. It was frequently used for transporting cargo and passengers between major ports. Known for its efficiency and durability, the vessel became a vital link in the Great Lakes’ bustling maritime network.

FINAL INCIDENT: COLLISION WITH THE NORTHERN QUEEN

•Date: November 25, 1908

•Location: Near Port Sanilac, Lake Huron

•Event:

The NORTH STAR collided with the NORTHERN QUEEN, another propeller-driven vessel, during its voyage on Lake Huron. The collision caused catastrophic damage to the NORTH STAR, compromising its structural integrity. While the exact cause of the collision is not fully detailed, factors such as poor Visibility, miscommunication, or navigational errors could have contributed.

•Casualties:

Miraculously, there were no fatalities among the 22 people on board the NORTH STAR. The crew’s quick response facilitated a safe evacuation.

•Loss:

The NORTH STAR was deemed a Total Loss and sank shortly after the collision. Its valuable freight and the vessel itself could not be salvaged.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are active for this wreck. However, mariners in the area should remain cautious, given the historical risks of navigating the region and the presence of other wrecks in Lake Huron.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Wreck Condition: The NORTH STAR was reported to have sunk in the waters of Lake Huron near Port Sanilac. Details of its current condition remain undocumented. Given the absence of modern surveys, the wreck’s state is unknown, and it may be scattered or buried beneath lake sediments.

•Accessibility: Not specified. The location remains largely unverified for diving or exploration purposes.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Comprehensive historical accounts and records of vessels lost on the Great Lakes.

Visit Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File

Database of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the NORTH STAR.

3.Great Lakes Ships Database

Details on vessels and their operational history.

4.Newspaper Archives

•Detroit Free Press, November 1908

•Marine Review, November 1908

5. 3DShipwrecks – North Star

3D Model – North Star

North Star by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The sinking of the NORTH STAR is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners during the early 20th century. The vessel’s loss prompted discussions within the maritime industry on enhancing navigational safety and communication protocols. Its story is an integral part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime heritage.

KEYWORDS

NORTH STAR, NORTHERN QUEEN, Lake Huron shipwreck, Port Sanilac collision, Great Lakes Steamer, maritime history, 1908 shipwreck.