IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The D.R. Hanna was a steel-hulled freighter built in 1906, designed for transporting bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes. The vessel measured 532.0 feet in length, 56.0 feet in width, and 31.0 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 7,023 tons and a net tonnage of 5,491 tons. It was powered by a steam engine producing 1,170 indicated horsepower, making it a significant presence among the lake freighters of its time. The ship had a capacity of 10,000 tons, emphasizing its role in the large-scale transportation of goods.
HISTORY #
The D.R. Hanna was launched in October 1906 from the American Shipbuilding Co. yards in Lorain, Ohio, under the ownership of the Pioneer Steamship Company. It was one of the larger freighters operating on the Great Lakes, registered in Cleveland, Ohio, and managed by Capt. Charles L. Hutchinson. The vessel was primarily engaged in freight service, transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes.
On May 16, 1919, the D.R. Hanna was involved in a significant collision with another steamship, the Quincey A. Shaw, off the coast of Thunder Bay, Michigan, in Lake Huron. At the time of the incident, there were 31 people on board the D.R. Hanna, including a crew of 18. Despite the severity of the collision, no lives were lost, and the incident did not result in the sinking of the vessel.
The collision between the D.R. Hanna and the Quincey A. Shaw likely caused considerable damage to both vessels, given their size and the forces involved in such accidents. However, specific details about the extent of the damage or the subsequent fate of the D.R. Hanna following the collision are not provided.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The D.R. Hanna did not sink as a result of the collision with the Quincey A. Shaw and continued to operate on the Great Lakes. The exact location of the incident was off Thunder Bay, Michigan, but there are no reports of the vessel being lost or abandoned as a result of this event. The ship likely underwent repairs and continued its service, though further details on its later years are not included in the available records.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The specific coordinates of the collision site between the D.R. Hanna and the Quincey A. Shaw are not provided. The incident occurred off Thunder Bay, Michigan, a region known for its numerous shipwrecks and challenging navigational conditions.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the D.R. Hanna following the 1919 collision. However, Thunder Bay, Michigan, is an area with a rich maritime history and numerous underwater hazards, so mariners should always exercise caution when navigating this region.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: NOAA Thunder Bay NMS
CONCLUSION #
The collision involving the D.R. Hanna and the Quincey A. Shaw in 1919 is a notable event in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Despite the seriousness of the collision, the absence of fatalities and the continuation of the D.R. Hanna‘s service underscore the resilience of these steel-hulled freighters. The incident off Thunder Bay, Michigan, contributes to the legacy of the area as a significant site in Great Lakes shipping history.
KEYWORDS #
- D.R. Hanna freighter
- Lake Huron collision
- Thunder Bay shipwrecks
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Steel-hulled freighters
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
While specific coordinates of the collision are not available, the event took place off Thunder Bay, Michigan, in Lake Huron. Mariners should consult current NOTMARs and remain vigilant when navigating in this historically significant area of the Great Lakes.
