Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: D.M. CLEMSON

• Type: Steel bulk freight propeller ship

• Built: 1903 by W. Superior Shipbuilding, Superior, Wisconsin

• Specifications:

• Length: 448 feet (136.6 meters)

• Beam: 52 feet (15.8 meters)

• Depth: 28 feet (8.5 meters)

• Operator: Provident Steamship Company

• Final Voyage: November 28–December 1, 1908, Lake Superior

• Location of Disappearance: Near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior, Michigan

• Crew: 24 individuals

Vessel Type Description

The D.M. CLEMSON was a large steel bulk freighter built to navigate the Great Lakes, designed for the efficient transport of bulk materials like coal and iron ore. At 448 feet, the vessel’s steel construction represented a significant advancement in shipbuilding, capable of enduring the rough conditions of the Great Lakes. The D.M. Clemson’s propeller-driven design and powerful engine enabled it to haul heavy loads across vast lake distances, serving as a critical link in the industrial supply chain of the early 20th century.

History

Constructed in 1903 by W. Superior Shipbuilding in Superior, Wisconsin, the D.M. CLEMSON quickly became a vital component of the Great Lakes fleet. Under the operation of the Provident Steamship Company, the vessel was tasked with transporting essential cargo across the region. On November 28, 1908, the D.M. Clemson departed Lorain, Ohio, bound for Duluth, Minnesota, loaded with coal and carrying a crew of 24. The ship began its journey in fair conditions, but as it approached Lake Superior, the weather took a dark turn.

By December 1, 1908, the D.M. Clemson encountered a fierce gale and blizzard near Whitefish Point. The storm struck with brutal intensity, causing waves to surge and Visibility to drop. Despite the crew’s efforts to navigate through the raging waters, the ship succumbed to the storm, disappearing without a trace. Reports indicate the vessel was last seen off Whitefish Point early that morning, a haunting image of a ship caught in nature’s fury.

As the days passed, wreckage and hatch covers from the D.M. Clemson began washing ashore near Whitefish Point, confirming the worst fears of the company and families awaiting news. The ship and its crew of 24 had been claimed by Lake Superior. Among the lost were Captain S. R. Chamberlain, First Mate W. E. McLeod, Chief Engineer J. J. McCoy, and their dedicated crew members, all of whom perished in the tragic event.

Final Disposition

The D.M. CLEMSON was lost to a storm on December 1, 1908, near Whitefish Point. Despite searches and later attempts to locate the wreck, the ship’s final resting place remains unknown, and no remains of the vessel have been found on the lakebed. The vessel is believed to rest somewhere beneath Lake Superior’s frigid waters.

Located By & Date

• Location: Final resting place unknown, presumed near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior

• Date of Sinking: December 1, 1908

Notmar & Advisories

Due to the unknown location of the D.M. Clemson’s wreck, there are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to this site.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: Research and memorials related to Great Lakes shipwrecks

• Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point: Exhibits and information on Lake Superior wrecks, including artifacts from nearby wreck sites

Additional Notes

The story of the D.M. CLEMSON stands as a testament to the perilous conditions faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Her disappearance amid Lake Superior’s relentless storm highlights the unpredictability and danger of lake navigation during the early 20th century. The D.M. Clemson’s loss serves as a somber reminder of the countless sailors who risked and, all too often, lost their lives navigating these vast waters.

Conclusion

The D.M. CLEMSON embodies both the spirit of industrial progress and the inherent risks of Great Lakes shipping. Built to support early 20th-century industry, the vessel met a tragic end that underscores the power of Lake Superior and the sacrifices of those who dared to navigate it. Though her exact resting place remains undiscovered, the D.M. Clemson’s legacy is enshrined in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Keywords: D.M. Clemson, Whitefish Point, Lake Superior shipwreck, Great Lakes history, 1908 storm