Shipwreck Report: SS Superior City

Identification & Site Information

•Name: SS Superior City

•Type: Steel Bulk Freighter

•Year Built: 1898

•Builder: American Ship Building Company, Cleveland, Ohio

•Owner: Pittsburg Steamship Company

•Location of Wreck: Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior

•Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed

•Depth of Wreck: 190–270 feet (58–82 meters)

•Protection Status: Part of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve

Vessel Type Description

The SS Superior City was a groundbreaking vessel at its launch, boasting steel construction and the largest size of any freshwater vessel of its time. Designed to carry vast amounts of bulk cargo, primarily iron ore, the freighter was an engineering marvel of the late 19th century. It represented the industrial ambitions and technological advancements of the Great Lakes shipping industry.

History

Launched in 1898, the SS Superior City was heralded as a feat of maritime engineering and a symbol of the growing economic importance of the Great Lakes. Over its 22 years of service, the vessel transported iron ore and other bulk materials, contributing significantly to the industrial supply chain of the region.

On August 20, 1920, the Superior City embarked on what would become her final voyage. While navigating the waters of Whitefish Bay, she collided with the Steamer Willis L. King. The impact was catastrophic, rupturing her side and igniting a fire when the cargo of fuel oil exploded. The blaze consumed the vessel, sinking it rapidly and resulting in the tragic loss of 29 lives, including her captain and most of the crew. Only three individuals survived the disaster.

The collision was the deadliest in the history of the Pittsburg Steamship Company and prompted widespread controversy. A subsequent investigation determined that both captains were at fault for failing to adhere to maritime navigation protocols, commonly referred to as the “rules-of-the-road.”

Final Disposition

The SS Superior City sank swiftly following the collision and fire, coming to rest at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior. Discovered in 1972, the wreck has since been a popular yet challenging site for divers due to its depth and deteriorated structure.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Depth Challenges: With portions of the wreck lying at depths up to 270 feet, the site is only accessible to advanced technical divers.

•Hazardous Conditions: Divers must be prepared for low Visibility, cold temperatures, and strong currents, which make exploration dangerous.

Located By & Date

•Discovered: 1972

•Protection: Encompassed within the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, a designated area that safeguards significant shipwrecks and promotes maritime heritage.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•The wreck lies upright, with sections of the Hull and Deck structures still intact, offering divers a haunting glimpse into its history. However, natural decay and previous illegal artifact removal have affected the site.

•Legal Protections: Removal of artifacts is strictly prohibited under Michigan law, ensuring the preservation of the wreck for future generations.

•Diving Requirements: The depth and conditions require divers to possess advanced technical certifications, including experience with deep dives and drysuit use.

Resources & Links

•Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve: Overview of protected wrecks in the area.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: Archival information and photographs.

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Insights into underwater conditions.

Conclusion

The SS Superior City serves as a poignant reminder of the Great Lakes’ perilous yet essential role in North America’s industrial history. Its tragic sinking and the lives lost on that fateful night of 1920 underscore the importance of maritime safety. Now preserved as part of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, the wreck is both an underwater museum and a somber tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of mariners who navigated the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

Tags

#SSSuperiorCity #WhitefishBayWreck #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #LakeSuperiorShipwreck #GreatLakesDiving #WhitefishPointUnderwaterPreserve