Wreck Report: Steamship SITKA

Identification & Site Information

• •Vessel Name: SITKA
• •Type: Bulk Propeller Steamship
• •Year Built: August 1887
• •Builder: Frank Wheeler & Co., West Bay City, Michigan
• •Dimensions:
• •Length: 272.5 feet (83.1 meters)
• •Beam: 40.5 feet (12.3 meters)
• •Depth: 19.4 feet (5.9 meters)
• •Gross Tonnage: 1,740 tons
• •Net Tonnage: 1,227 tons

History

The SITKA, built in 1887, was a robust Bulk Carrier designed for the transportation of goods such as grain and other bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. It served as a vital link in the region’s booming trade, known for its durability and capacity.

1.Incident at Kettle Point (May 3, 1893):

•The SITKA ran aground at Kettle Point, located 20 miles from Port Huron on the Canadian side of Lake Huron.

•Rescue Efforts:

•The tugs WALES and RUNNELS, a Lighter, and a team of 40 men worked tirelessly to free the vessel.

•About 8,000 bushels of corn were offloaded to lighten the ship. The vessel’s pumps successfully kept water out of the cargo hold, preventing damage.

•Outcome:

•The ship was freed on May 4, 1893, reloaded at Port Huron, and continued its journey to Buffalo.

•Costs:

•Repairs were estimated at $20,000, and wrecking expenses totaled $5,000.

2.Final Voyage and Loss (October 4, 1904):

•The SITKA stranded on a ledge off Point Au Sable, Lake Superior.

•The powerful waves and rugged terrain caused the vessel to break apart, resulting in a Total Loss.

•The ship was Abandoned and subsequently went to pieces, marking the end of its service on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The SITKA was lost off Point Au Sable, Lake Superior, in October 1904. The wreck has not been extensively documented, but its destruction highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation, even for durable vessels like the SITKA.

Significance

The SITKA serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by 19th- and early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping. Despite its innovative construction and significant service life, the vessel’s grounding and final stranding underscore the unpredictability of the region’s waters.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the SITKA was reported to have broken apart after the incident at Point Au Sable, and its remains may be scattered across the lakebed. The exact location and condition of the wreck are unknown, and no recent surveys or dives have been recorded.

Resources & References

•Frank Wheeler & Co., West Bay City Shipbuilding Master List

•Institute for Great Lakes Research, Perrysburg, Ohio

Tags

•SITKA

•Lake Superior Shipwrecks

•Bulk Propeller Steamship

•Kettle Point Grounding

•Point Au Sable Wrecks

•Great Lakes Maritime History

Conclusion

The story of the SITKA reflects the resilience and vulnerabilities of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From its grounding and rescue at Kettle Point to its ultimate loss at Point Au Sable, the vessel’s history showcases the complexities of navigating the vast inland seas. While its wreckage lies scattered, the memory of the SITKA endures as part of the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.