Shipwreck Report: Altadoc (formerly Lake Shore)

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Altadoc (formerly Lake Shore)

•Type: Propeller Steamer

•Year Built: 1901

•Builder: West Bay City Shipbuilding, West Bay City, Michigan

•Construction Material: Steel

•Dimensions:

•Length: 356 feet (108.5 meters)

•Beam: 50 feet (15.2 meters)

•Depth: 28 feet (8.5 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 3,871 tons

•Net Tonnage: 2,997 tons

•Ownership History:

•1901: Owned by Gilchrist Transportation Co.

•1913: Transferred to Interlake Steamship Co., managed by Pickands, Mather & Co.

•1926: Sold to Paterson Steamships Ltd. (renamed Altadoc)

•Final Location: Keweenaw Point, east of Copper Harbor, Michigan, Lake Superior

•Date of Wreck: December 8, 1927

Vessel Type Description

The Altadoc, originally built as the Lake Shore, was a steel Propeller Steamer designed for bulk cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. Its robust construction and large size made it suitable for heavy cargo such as coal, grain, and iron ore. The vessel’s ownership under several prominent shipping companies reflects its importance in the maritime trade of the Great Lakes during the early 20th century.

History

The vessel began its life as the Lake Shore, constructed in 1901 by West Bay City Shipbuilding for the Gilchrist Transportation Co. Its initial service was focused on freight transport across the Great Lakes.

•1913: The vessel was renamed Indus when transferred to the Interlake Steamship Co. and continued its role under new management.

•1926: Sold to Canadian ownership under Paterson Steamships Ltd., the vessel was renamed Altadoc and registered under the number C116577.

The Altadoc met its fate on December 8, 1927, during a blizzard while en route from Owen Sound, Ontario, to Fort William, Ontario. Severe weather caused the parting of the vessel’s wheel chains, leading to a grounding on Keweenaw Point, east of Copper Harbor in Lake Superior. The ship broke in two during the storm, and a fire in its coal bunker caused further destruction.

Fortunately, the crew was rescued by the USCG Crawford on December 11, 1927, and no lives were lost.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Altadoc was scrapped during World War II, with its steel repurposed for the war effort. However, the vessel’s wheelhouse was salvaged and repurposed as a summer cottage. Over the years, it became a gift shop and a two-room hotel, serving as a unique reminder of the ship’s legacy until it was destroyed by fire on March 22, 1987.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners related to the Altadoc wreck. The site near Keweenaw Point is of historical interest but does not pose navigational hazards.

Located By & Date

The wreck was reported at Keweenaw Point in December 1927. Parts of the vessel, including the wheelhouse, were salvaged before the remainder was scrapped during World War II.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck was largely dismantled during the 1940s, and no substantial remains are believed to exist underwater. The wheelhouse served as a prominent artifact until its destruction in 1987.

RESOURCES & LINKS

For further information and exploration of the shipwreck history of the Altadoc (formerly Lake Shore) and related maritime incidents, consult the following resources:

1.Great Lakes Ships Database

Comprehensive data on Great Lakes vessels, including specifications, ownership, and wreck incidents.

Great Lakes Ships Database

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes

A detailed archive documenting the maritime history and shipwrecks across the Great Lakes.

Maritime History of the Great Lakes

3.David Swayze Shipwreck File

Provides historical records and in-depth descriptions of shipwrecks, including the Altadoc.

David Swayze Shipwreck File

4.Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Vessels Collection

Archival records detailing vessel histories, wrecks, and the broader context of Great Lakes maritime history.

Bowling Green State University Archives

5.Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Focused on preserving and documenting Ontario’s shipwrecks, offering resources and insights into the wrecks of the Great Lakes.

Save Ontario Shipwrecks

These links will provide additional context, historical details, and further reading for those interested in Great Lakes maritime history and shipwreck studies.

Conclusion

The Altadoc (formerly Lake Shore) stands as a testament to the industrial and Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Its storied career, spanning multiple ownerships and name changes, reflects the dynamic nature of Great Lakes shipping during the early 20th century. Despite its destruction, the vessel’s legacy endures, highlighted by its service in commerce, its dramatic loss, and the unique repurposing of its wheelhouse.

Tags

#Altadoc #LakeShore #Shipwreck #LakeSuperior #GreatLakesHistory #KeweenawPoint #MaritimeHistory #ShipSalvage #USCGRescue