Wreck Report: Steamer GALE STAPLES (formerly CALEDONIA)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: GALE STAPLES

• Former Name: CALEDONIA

• Type: Steamer

• Location of Loss: Point Au Sable, Lake Superior

• Date of Loss: September 30, 1918

• Cargo: Coal

• Owner: Massey Steamship Co., Superior, Wisconsin

Vessel Type Description

The GALE STAPLES, originally named CALEDONIA, was a steam-powered cargo vessel designed to transport bulk goods such as coal and other materials across the Great Lakes. Steamers like the GALE STAPLES were vital for industrial operations, linking mining, manufacturing, and shipping hubs throughout the region.

History

The GALE STAPLES met its unfortunate end on Monday, September 30, 1918, while en route to Hancock, Michigan, carrying a cargo of coal. The vessel encountered difficulties near Point Au Sable, Lake Superior. Severe leakage developed as the Steamer faced relentless waves that washed over the decks, compounding the damage and making the situation untenable.

The crew was forced to abandon the vessel due to the severe flooding and hazardous conditions. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the underwriters declared the GALE STAPLES a constructive Total Loss, meaning the cost of salvaging and repairing the vessel would exceed its value. Consequently, the Steamer was Abandoned.

Final Disposition

The GALE STAPLES was left stranded at Point Au Sable, battered by waves and beyond salvage. The decision to abandon the vessel marked the end of its service, and it remains a part of Lake Superior’s maritime history.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the GALE STAPLES is presumed to lie in the shallow waters near Point Au Sable, but its exact location and condition are undocumented.

• Condition: Likely heavily deteriorated, with only fragments of the wooden or metal structure potentially remaining.

• Accessibility: Further exploration or archaeological surveys may be required to confirm the wreck’s precise location and its state.

Significance

The loss of the GALE STAPLES highlights the dangers faced by steam-powered cargo vessels navigating the often-violent waters of Lake Superior. The ship’s abandonment reflects the challenges of Great Lakes shipping during the early 20th century, particularly as vessels struggled against the region’s unpredictable weather and harsh conditions.

Resources & References

• Marine Review, November 1918, Pages 520-521

• Historical records related to the Massey Steamship Co.

• Maritime archives documenting Lake Superior shipwrecks

Tags

• GALE STAPLES

• CALEDONIA

• Point Au Sable Wrecks

• Lake Superior Shipwrecks

• Steam Cargo Vessel

• Great Lakes Maritime History

Conclusion

The wreck of the GALE STAPLES, formerly known as CALEDONIA, represents another chapter in the perilous history of shipping on the Great Lakes. Stranded at Point Au Sable in 1918, the vessel’s story serves as a reminder of the industrial and human efforts to navigate and connect the waterways during a time when maritime transport was central to commerce and trade. While its wreck remains largely undocumented, the legacy of the GALE STAPLES endures through historical accounts and maritime lore.