IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The New Orleans was a steam screw vessel, a type of steamship powered by a screw propeller. These vessels were common on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving primarily in the transportation of passengers and freight. The screw propeller was a significant advancement in maritime technology, providing greater efficiency and maneuverability compared to earlier paddlewheel designs.
HISTORY #
On June 30, 1906, the New Orleans was involved in a significant maritime accident near Thunder Bay, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The steam screw collided with another steamship, the William H. Linn, under circumstances that are not fully detailed in the available records. The impact of the collision was severe enough to cause the New Orleans to sink.
Despite the dire situation, all 16 persons aboard the New Orleans managed to survive the incident. The crew members had to scramble for their lives as the vessel began to sink rapidly. In the chaotic moments following the collision, some crew members were forced to climb over the rails of the sinking ship, while others were temporarily blinded by escaping steam. Rescue operations were conducted quickly, allowing all the crew to be saved before the ship was completely lost to the waters of Lake Huron.
The wreck of the New Orleans was subsequently located near the Thunder Bay lighthouse, with part of the stern remaining visible above the waterline, while the bow was submerged. This partial submersion made the wreck a notable hazard in the area, contributing to the rich history of shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay region.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The New Orleans sank as a result of the collision with the William H. Linn on June 30, 1906. The vessel came to rest near the Thunder Bay lighthouse, with the stern visible above water and the bow submerged. The wreck remained a visible and potentially hazardous site, highlighting the dangers of navigating in the busy waters of Lake Huron.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck was located shortly after the incident, near the Thunder Bay lighthouse in Lake Huron. The stern of the New Orleans was reported as being above water, making it a visible landmark for those navigating the area.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
Given the wreck’s proximity to the surface and its location near a navigational landmark, it is likely that Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) would have been issued at the time to warn of the hazard posed by the partially submerged wreck. Mariners navigating near Thunder Bay lighthouse should be aware of the area’s history of shipwrecks and exercise caution.
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 sinking of the New Orleans on June 30, 1906, following a collision with the William H. Linn, is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes. The survival of all 16 crew members is a testament to their quick thinking and the prompt rescue efforts. The wreck of the New Orleans, with its stern visible above water, adds to the legacy of Thunder Bay as a significant site in Great Lakes maritime history.
KEYWORDS #
- New Orleans steam screw
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Thunder Bay lighthouse wreck
- Great Lakes maritime collision
- Sinking of New Orleans
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The exact GPS coordinates of the New Orleans wreck are not specified, but the vessel sank near the Thunder Bay lighthouse in Lake Huron. Mariners and researchers should consult current NOTMARs and exercise caution when navigating in this historically significant area.
