IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: SENATOR DERBYSHIRE

Official Number: C112351

Type: Steamer

Year Built: 1893

Builder: W. Hamilton & Co., Port Glasgow, Scotland

Material: Steel

Dimensions:

•Length: 308 feet (93.9 meters)

•Breadth: 40 feet (12.2 meters)

•Depth: 21.5 feet (6.6 meters)

Tonnage: 2,370 gross tons

Last Known Location: Lake Superior, near the Canadian shoreline

Depth: 140 feet (43 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The SENATOR DERBYSHIRE was a steel-hulled cargo Steamer built to navigate the Great Lakes, primarily transporting grain and bulk goods. Its robust construction and substantial size reflected the technological advancements of late 19th-century shipbuilding, catering to the growing demands of industrial transport on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The SENATOR DERBYSHIRE entered service in 1893, becoming an essential vessel for Canadian shipping industries. Known for its reliability, the ship transported significant quantities of grain and other goods between Great Lakes ports, contributing to the regional economy during a critical period of industrial expansion.

The Sinking

On October 16, 1918, while crossing Lake Superior, the ship encountered a severe storm. Powerful winds and towering waves overwhelmed the vessel, causing it to sink with a full cargo of grain. Tragically, all 22 crew members aboard perished, marking one of Lake Superior’s many maritime disasters. The sinking highlighted the unpredictable dangers of Great Lakes navigation, even for sturdy vessels like the SENATOR DERBYSHIRE.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The SENATOR DERBYSHIRE sank in Lake Superior during the 1918 storm and was lost for nearly 90 years. It was rediscovered in 2007 by a team of underwater archaeologists and divers, providing closure to the longstanding mystery of its fate.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site. The site remains an undisturbed historical and recreational diving location.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies upright on the lakebed at a depth of 140 feet (43 meters). The cold, clear waters of Lake Superior have preserved much of the Hull, making the wreck a popular dive site. However, the depth and conditions require divers to have advanced training and appropriate cold-water diving gear.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records of Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum: Dedicated to preserving the maritime history of Lake Superior and the Great Lakes.

•Lake Superior Maritime Collection: Repository of artifacts and information on Great Lakes shipping.

KEYWORDS

•SENATOR DERBYSHIRE

•Lake Superior Shipwrecks

•1918 Storm Tragedy

•Canadian Steamer

•Great Lakes Maritime History

ANALYSIS

The SENATOR DERBYSHIRE exemplifies the perilous conditions of early 20th-century shipping on the Great Lakes. Its robust construction and significant tonnage could not withstand the ferocity of Lake Superior’s storms, emphasizing the challenges faced by mariners of the time. The 2007 discovery of the wreck site offered valuable insights into the vessel’s construction and the events leading to its sinking. Today, the wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the Great Lakes’ rich yet treacherous maritime history.