Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The SS Charles S. Price was a steel-hulled bulk freighter built in 1910 by the American Ship Building Company in Lorain, Ohio. At 504 feet long, 52 feet wide, and with a depth of 28 feet, the Price was a large, modern vessel of its time, designed to transport bulk cargo such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. It was powered by a triple-expansion steam engine and had a gross tonnage of 6,322 tons.
History #
The SS Charles S. Price is one of the most famous casualties of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, also known as the “White Hurricane.” This powerful and deadly storm struck the Great Lakes region between November 7 and November 10, 1913, with hurricane-force winds, massive waves, and heavy snowfall. The storm resulted in the loss of 12 ships, including the Charles S. Price, and over 250 lives, making it the deadliest storm in Great Lakes history.
On November 9, 1913, the Charles S. Price was en route from Ashtabula, Ohio, to Fort William, Ontario, carrying a cargo of coal. The storm struck with little warning, and the ship, like many others, was caught in its deadly grip. As the winds howled and the waves grew to enormous heights, the crew of the Price battled to keep their vessel afloat.
Tragically, the ship could not withstand the storm’s fury. The Price sank during the night, with all 28 crew members on board lost to the storm. The following day, the ship was discovered floating upside down in Lake Huron, a grim testament to the storm’s destructive power. The sight of the overturned vessel, with no visible identifying marks, sparked widespread speculation and concern as to which ship it was.
It took several days before the ship was positively identified as the Charles S. Price, making it the first large shipwreck ever found upside down in the Great Lakes. The discovery shocked the maritime community and underscored the unpredictable and often violent nature of the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition #
The wreck of the Charles S. Price eventually settled on the bottom of Lake Huron, southeast of Port Huron, Michigan. It rests in approximately 70-75 feet of water, with much of the vessel’s structure still relatively intact, despite being submerged for over a century. The wreck has become a popular dive site for those interested in Great Lakes shipwrecks, offering a haunting glimpse into the past and the storm that claimed so many lives.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: The wreck is well-known and marked on nautical charts, and divers should exercise caution due to possible entanglement hazards and the depth of the site.
Located By & Date #
- Discovered: November 10, 1913 (floating upside down); later identified and located on the lakebed after the storm.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: Learn more about the Charles S. Price
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston: Great Lakes Storm of 1913 Exhibit
- NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Storm of 1913 Overview
- Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Vessels Database: Charles S. Price Records
Conclusion #
The sinking of the SS Charles S. Price is one of the most significant maritime tragedies in the history of the Great Lakes. As a victim of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, the ship’s loss highlights the dangers faced by mariners who braved these inland seas, particularly during the harsh autumn weather. The wreck serves as a somber reminder of the storm’s fury and the lives lost in its wake. Today, it remains a key piece of Great Lakes maritime history and a poignant destination for divers and historians alike.
Keywords: #
- SS Charles S. Price
- Great Lakes Storm of 1913
- Lake Huron
- Shipwreck
- Maritime History
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Steel Bulk Freighter
- Great Lakes Diving
- Port Huron
- White Hurricane
This comprehensive report on the SS Charles S. Price provides valuable information for those researching Great Lakes shipwrecks or planning to explore this historic site beneath the waves.
